Called up to the first tee with less than 45 minutes to the cut off time, Seamus Power had a slightly unexpected start to the Farmers insurance Open yesterday.
Having been named on the list of alternates for the event, the Waterford man was top of the list of replacements when the first competitors tee'd off in San Diego.
Boasting a A-list cast of talent, the Farmers is the perfect warm up for those looking to compete at the US Open on June 17th, and with Scott Piercy a late withdrawal from the event, up stood Power to fill his place.
An opening pair of oars on the first and second proved reassuring, yet it was the third where he came unstuck, marking down a double bogey for his efforts. Despite a par on the fourth, another bogey followed - with two more bogeys and another double on the back nine still to come.
What could have been a very unsettling round was saved by 12 solid holes where he shot an even score and one birdie chipped in for good measure.
With the the score to beat being set by Sweden's Alex Noren and America's Patrick Reed at 8 under, Power will have his work cut out for him if he is to make the cut this evening - expect it to be around level par or 1 under.
A near flawless front or back nine will be required if he has any hope of survival.
Elsewhere, Shane Lowry carded a first round -2 while McIlroy was -4.
