The Offaly golfer resumes on 4 over par later.
Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy endured tricky starts to the Phoenix Open.
Lowry will resume later on 4 over par, having opened with a 75.
McIlroy is two shots better off on 2 over.
Seamus Power has 8 holes of his opening round to complete from level par.
Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin share top spot on 5 under.
NHL: First League Win Secured For Westmeath Hurlers
Buccaneers Seal Bonus Point Win In AIL
NHL: Waterford Prove Too Strong For Gallant Offaly
Paul Loonam Secures Seventh Professional Win
NHL: Win For Westmeath, While Offaly Suffer Narrow Defeat
Back To Back Wins The Aim For Buccaneers This Weekend
Westmeath Entertain Meath In Division Two
Micheal Milne Scores First Irish Try In Defeat To France
Offaly Travel To Waterford In National Hurling League
Portlaoise Panthers Host League Leaders Killester In Super League
Joe Ward Signs Three Year Deal With Zuffa Boxing
Sigerson Cup Semi-Finals Take Place This Evening
Ireland Begin Six Nations Campaign Away To France
Athlone Town Learn All-Island Cup Opponents
Midlands Hurlers Shine As UL And Mary I Book Fitzgibbon Cup Final Clash
Offaly Boxer Set For Honorary Grand Marshal Role
CCFL: Wins For Laois And Westmeath Clubs In Paddy Cotter Cup
Fitzgibbon Cup Final Places Up For Grabs This Evening
Strong First Half Secures Victory For Kildare Over Offaly