Rory McIlroy in the lead after US Open first round

Spectator collapse alarms McDowell as he plays hole

DARA KELLY,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Thursday, June 16, 2011, 4:34 PM

Updated Friday, June 17, 2011, 2:55 AM

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Rory McIlroy at the US Open

Photo by Google Images

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy was in the lead after the first round in his round at the US Open today at -6 after a spectacular 65.

McIlroy missed only one green all through his round and made a spectacular burst of birdies on his opening 9 holes.

Graeme McDowell, also from Northern Ireland, and the defending champion, was five shots off the pace.

Padraig Harrington had an even par round to lie six back

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McDowell witnessed a scary incident on the 11th fairway at Congressional in Washington when a man collapsed as he was about to play the hole and underwent resucitation before being rushed away.

Despite the alarming scene McDowell went on to finish one over for the round, just two shots off the pace.

McDowell looked intently at the scene as he walked past.

"We heard someone obviously was having some problems over there," McDowell said. "You're out there trying to do your best, but it certainly puts golf in perspective when you see someone obviously fighting for their life. All the people that USGA has in place this week for events like that, it's great to see the paramedics reacting and doing the job they're here to do. We obviously hope that person is doing OK right now."