Jon Rahm: Ryder Cup star argues with official as Sam Bairstow and Marco Penge start well in Open de Espana presented by Madrid

Jon Rahm and Shane Lowry struggled in their return to action after helping Europe win the Ryder Cup, with Rahm briefly arguing with a marshal who tried to cheer him up during the Open de Espana presented by Madrid on Thursday.

After his drive found the left rough on the par-4 eighth hole, Rahm saw his lie and started complaining: "What a day, what a day," he said, followed by an expletive.

The marshal who marked his ball said: "It's OK," and Rahm immediately looked at him and said: "Don't tell me it's OK, please. Thank you."

The official apologised as he walked away, while Rahm continued complaining: "It's not OK."

Even holing a bunker shot for an eagle at the par-five 14th and knocking his approach to five feet for birdie at the next on what was his front nine - failed to improve his mood as back-to-back bogeys immediately after the turn were followed by another dropped shot at the par-three ninth.

Rahm ended the day on one-over-par 72 to trail first-round leaders Ugo Coussaud of France and Sam Bairstow of England by seven shots.

The Ryder Cup-winning Spaniard, seeking a record fourth success at his home event, could barely bring himself to speak in his post-round interview.