Danny Willett made a booming return to the European Tour on Thursday after he shot a first-round 65 at the 2016 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open to head into the clubhouse with a two-shot lead over Rory McIlroy.
The defending Masters champion recorded just one bogey en route to shooting seven-under par at the K Club in County Kildare, Ireland, where McIlroy built a steady foundation for the rest of his tournament with a promising first round.
Golfing Weekly was full of praise for on-fire Willett, who wasn't long after making his comeback following his Masters victory in April:
— Golfing Weekly (@Golfing_Weekly) May 19, 2016
Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher impressed in the morning session after each recording first-round scores of three-under, while Dublin native Paul Dunne got around the Kildare course in 70.