Golf – The 150th Open Championship – Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland, Britain – July 14, 2022 Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy during the first round REUTERS/Paul Childs
ST ANDREWS, Scotland—Rory McIlroy’s first-round score of 66 at the 150th Open was only good enough for second place but it was a supporter who paid the price after the world number two’s wayward tee shot struck his hand and broke it.
Four-times major winner McIlroy was two shots behind American Cameron Young after round one, with one mis-hit shot sending Charlie Kane — who also handles social media for the PGA Tour — to St Andrews Community Hospital for treatment.
“Fractured hand after Rory McIlroy’s drive landed on my knuckle. He shouted fore. I did not heed the warning,” Kane said on Twitter.
Fractured hand after Rory McIlroy’s drive landed on my knuckle.
He shouted fore. I did not heed the warning. #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/91bOwuA4mY
— Charlie Kane (@PGATOURKane) July 14, 2022
Kane posted images of a purple welt on his hand where the ball had struck him, showing a swollen middle finger.
But despite the rap on the knuckles, he was all smiles when he returned to the course with his arm in a sling.
McIlroy is looking to win the Claret Jug for a second time after his triumph in 2014.