Rory McIlroy hopes he is over the worst at his final event of 2009 after poor health led to a disappointing opening round in the opening round of the 12-man Nedbank Challenge in South Africa yesterday.

The 20-year-old managed only a one over par 73 for joint last after he arrived at Sun City with "jelly legs" and 'flu-like symptoms and was reported to have been put on a drip during a thunderstorm delay.

"I think I'm a bit run down," McIlroy wrote on his blog, referring to "various potions" a doctor had given him.

"I've been on the go for nine weeks now and I think it's beginning to take its toll.

"After this week I'll be going back home to Ireland and I'm really looking forward to spending time in my house, seeing my family and friends and not having to think about golf for a while."

Ireland's world number 10 is not out of the running for the €790,000 first prize entering the second round, however.

Leader Robert Allenby was only five strokes ahead of him, a four under 68 putting the Australian one in front of South Africans Retief Goosen and Tim Clark.