Rory McIlroy leaves Sky Sports commentator red-faced on opening day of US Open

Rory McIlroy left a Sky Sports commentator embarrassed after their prediction backfired just seconds later at the US Open. The Northern Irishman enjoyed a positive first day at Pinehurst and is the joint-leader alongside Patrick Cantlay.

And there was one particular moment that left golf fans - and Sky’s commentary team - stunned. Speaking on the broadcaster, Wayne Riley had only just predicted that there would not be many chip-ins during the tournament due to the weather.

The Australian golfer said: “We won’t see a lot of chip-ins around this place this week!”

However, Riley was left red-faced less than a minute later as McIlroy chipped in an excellent shot. The 35-year-old was delighted after the first day in North Carolina as he finished level with Cantlay.

"It was a really controlled round of golf,” McIlroy reflected afterwards. “I am just trying to be as even-keeled as I possibly can. I feel like that has served me well in US Opens over the past few years."

McIlroy ended the first day with a score of five under par. He scored two birdies in his final three holes to ensure he finished the day joint-top of the leaderboard.

The World No 3 will be delighted with a positive first round at the US Open. It is a tournament he has won only once, doing so in 2011.

McIlroy’s private life has made headlines in recent weeks. Ahead of the PGA Championship in May, it was revealed that he had decided to file for divorce from wife Erica Stoll.

However, on the eve of the US Open, McIlroy insisted that is no longer the case. He and Stoll have decided that their future lies “as a family together”.

He told the Guardian earlier this week: “There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumour is a fool’s game.”

He added: “Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”

Elsewhere at the US Open, England’s Tyrrell Hatton hit a 68, while compatriot Tommy Fleetwood and Scotland's Robert MacIntyre finished at level par. All three players are hunting for a first major triumph.

Three-time champion Tiger Woods shot five bogeys in seven holes. The golf icon ended the round at four over par.