The Loop

These five stats put Rory's opening-round 80 at the Irish Open into perspective

There was a lot of carnage at Royal County Down on Thursday. And the World No. 1 -- who is also hosting the Irish Open this week through his charity -- was not spared from the tough conditions. An opening-round 80 has the Northern Irishman sitting in last place after 18 holes.

Literally, last place.

Some other top-name players got off to equally brutal starts. Martin Kaymer, playing in the same group as Rory, finished with a 79. Sergio Garcia was 5-over at last check. Lee Westwood had a 74. It's never an easy round at Royal County Down -- but Thursday it was playing even tougher than usual.

These five stats from Rory's round tell the story of how bad it really was.

1. This was Rory's worst competitive round since the final round of the 2011 Masters.

We know how that ended. We also have a feeling Rory will be a lot less disappointed by Thursday's round than he was after the snap-hook at the 10th hole at Augusta. But to put today's round in perspective, it was as bad as that 80 Rory had in 2011.

2. Rory hit only six of 14 fairways.

Rory talked about that after the round. That'll happen at tough, windy Royal County Down.

5. A total of 36 putts.

Ouch. That number kind of speaks for itself. You don't often see pro golfers have 36 putts in one round. We know Rory can struggle at times on the greens, but this was a pretty poor showing by the World No. 1.

And now Rory looks like a good bet to miss the cut for the third straight year at the Irish Open.