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Masters champion Danny Willett holds slim lead over Rory McIlroy at Irish Open

Sometimes, professional golfers fall into a period of complacency after they win their first major. Danny Willett, this year's Masters champion, is not one of them.

Willett shot an opening-round 7-under 65 at The K Club on Thursday to take a two-shot lead over Rory McIlroy at the Irish Open.

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After missing the cut at last week's Players Championship, Willett came out with six birdies in eight holes during the middle of the first round.

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He bogeyed the 17th, then birdied 18 to finish 7 under on a rainy day.