Italy's Molinari breaks course record at Baltray

(GETTY IMAGES)

Italian Francesco Molinari broke the course record on a day of spectacular scoring in The Irish Open at County Louth yesterday – but Padraig Harrington failed once again to ignite his season.

While the Open and US PGA champion, without a top 10 finish since January, managed only a one over par 73 after losing a ball on the final hole Molinari grabbed an eagle and eight birdies in a nine-under par 63.

Brilliant though that was – it matched the lowest round of the 26-year-old's European Tour career – it was good enough for only a one-stroke lead.

Earlier Swede Johan Edfors had equalled the old record for Baltray after collecting no fewer than 10 birdies. John Daly continued his good form with a four-under par round of 68 and Rory McIlory is just a shot further back.