Golf: Rory McIlroy became embroiled in an online spat with former European tour professional Jay Townsend after the Northern Irishman double-bogeyed the 18th hole for an opening round of 70 at the Irish Open in Killarney today.

The pair's row on Twitter began after BBC commentator Townsend said: "McIlroy's course management was shocking," before adding: "Some of the worst course management I have ever seen beyond under-10 boys' golf competition."

Townsend then suggested McIlroy should employ Tiger Woods's former caddie Steve Williams because his current bagman JP Fitzgerald wasn't up to the task.

"@mcilroyrory should hire Stevie Williams, as I thought JP allowed some SHOCKING course management today," he added.

The response from McIlroy was swift and blunt. "Shut up ... you're a commentator and a failed golfer, your opinion means nothing!"

Townsend insisted: "I stand by my comments", to which McIlroy replied: "I stand by my caddie".

Later this evening, McIlroy said: “He’s been having a go at JP (Fitzgerald) every now and again since (the US Masters) and this was the first time I’ve responded. It was the straw that broke the camel’s back. . .now, I’ve blocked him on Twitter so I won’t be reading anything more."

Townsend has since been on to McIlroy's manager Chubby Chandler requesting a chat with the Irishman.