McIlroy pleased with opening 69

Rory McIlroy was encouraged by his two-under-par 69 in Thursday's first round of the Open at Troon.
While it could have been even better, the round still leaves him firmly in contention at the year's third major championship, three shots behind early clubhouse leader Patrick Reed.
McIlroy would have had thoughts of something seriously low after picking up four shots during a five-hole stretch on the front nine to briefly tie for the lead, but he wasn't able to maintain that kind of level on the back.
The Northern Irishman dropped two shots in the blink of an eye as he double-bogeyed the 13th, before another bogey at 14 threatened to derail his round completely.
He was able to bounce back with a birdie at 15, however, before parring his way home for a pretty solid 69.
"It was good, a solid start – I was able to make a run of birdies on the front nine," said McIlroy.
"You really needed to make hay on the front nine and after a slow start I was able to do that."
The double-bogey would have been particularly disappointing as it included a missed 18-inch putt for bogey, but McIlroy wasn't getting too down on himself about it.
“The frustrating thing is they were two of the best shots I hit all day, the drive on 13 and the second shot,” he said. “It was the wrong club I hit.
"The double-bogey was disappointing and that affected by tee shot at the next but I was able to bounce back at the 15th."
Latest
-
News
Jordan Spieth can see similarities between his game and Tyrell Hatton’s
Hatton will defend his Arnold Palmer Invitational title this week.
-
News
Police execute search warrant to access data in ‘black box’ of Tiger Woods’ car
Police have not, however, served a warrant to obtain a sample of the former world number one’s blood from him or the hospital.
-
News
Tiger Woods grateful for ‘touching’ gesture as players wear red and black
“It’s just a gesture to let him know we’re thinking about him and we’re rooting for him,” said Rory McIlroy.
-
News
Collin Morikawa pays fitting tribute to Tiger Woods with victory in Florida
Morikawa carded a closing 69 at The Concession Golf Club to finish 18 under par.
-
News
Branden Grace emotional after claiming Puerto Rico Open title
South Africa’s Branden Grace produced a brilliant finish to win his second PGA Tour title in the Puerto Rico Open.
-
News
Collin Morikawa takes two-stroke lead into WGC-Workday Championship final round
The American continues to shine on the biggest stages.
-
News
Tiger Woods ‘in good spirits’ after hospital move and further treatment
Woods survived what police said would otherwise have been a fatal crash because the interior of his vehicle remained largely intact.
-
News
Brooks Koepka in lead for second win in three events at WGC-Workday Championship
Koepka’s second round of 66 was marred only by a bogey on the 18th.
-
News
Tiger Woods moved to new hospital as he continues recovery from car crash
The 15-time major winner suffered multiple injuries in the accident.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes solid start in quest for another World Golf Championship title
McIlroy carded an opening 69.