The Open: Rory McIlroy accidentally breaks fans’ hand with a bad shot

Despite having a fantastic start in life at The opening championships, Rory McIlroy paid the price for an erratic shot after breaking a supporter’s hand.

The Northern Irishman hit an exciting 66 in the opening round of the 150th Open to remain second to American Cameron Young, who shot 64 at St Andrews.

But it wasn’t easy for the four-time major champion after a spectator was hospitalized on a missed tee shot and diagnosed with a broken hand.

Rory McIlroy is looking to continue his impressive opening round at The Open

Charlie Kane, who works for the PGA Tour, showed off bruises he suffered at St Andrews

Charlie Kane, who runs social media for the PGA Tour, took to Twitter on Thursday to show his injured and swollen hand after a tee shot from McIlroy.

Kane wrote: “Broken hand after Rory McIlroy’s ride landed on my ankle. He yelled ahead. I ignored the warning. #The opening.’

The man, who was present as a supporter on the day, was taken to St Andrew’s Community Hospital where a broken hand was diagnosed later in the day.

Pictures shared on social media show that Kane’s middle finger is extremely inflamed as a result of McIlroy’s shot.

Kane showed off his sling as well as a picture of his inflamed finger as he performed a scan

The Northern Irishman has made a great start to the St Andrews course – after losing a 55ft birdie on Thursday’s first round at the opening hole.

The parched conditions meant McIlroy was able to hit a long iron down the left side of the 18th green to set up a final birdie.

Pleased with his start, McIlroy said, “It was the round you hope starts at the Open and everything you should be doing at the Old Course.

‘I took advantage of the easier holes and made my pars on the more difficult ones.’

McIlroy was pleased with his first day’s work to start the 150th Open at St Andrews