McIlroy surprised by Shanghai 68

Rory McIlroy admitted he performed better than expected after posting an opening-round 68 at the WGC-HSBC Champions.
The Northern Irishman is a full five shots off the pace set by leader Branden Grace, but after suffering from food poisoning only a couple of days ago, he was pleasantly surprised that he was able to perform competitively and post the four-under-par round.
"[It was] probably a little better than I was expecting out there to be honest," McIlroy said. "I've lost 10 pounds since being here; I can't remember the last time I was this light.
"When I was hitting balls this morning on the range I had not been out of bed for basically 48 hours, so I was really stiff. I needed to loosen up quite a lot, but when I got out there I felt pretty good.
"But hopefully [if I have] a couple of good meals over the next couple days and rehydrate I'll be feeling a lot better. Thankfully it was a decent start, and now I'm going to try to just get into the tournament.
"I'm disappointed I missed three good chances coming in there on the front nine so it was a score I thought could have been a lot better, but considering the position I was in this time yesterday, it's not a bad start."
McIlroy faces some pressure in the Race to Dubai, with leader Grace one of the players who can still overtake him in the final three weeks of competition.
Another of his rivals, Danny Willett, also had a good day and lies just two shots off the lead.
Latest
-
Equipment
Every club Cobra Golf’s Lexi Thompson carries in her bag in 2023
Lexi Thompson shows remarkable faith in the clubs that have brought her success.
-
News
Should recreational players be concerned about golf ball rollback?
Should recreational players be concerned about the golf ball rollback’s impact on their game?
-
Equipment
What’s in the bag for Nelly Korda at the Grant Thornton Invitational?
Nelly Korda has a full TaylorMade supplied bag barring one club.
-
Equipment
The first club you should buy as a beginner golfer
Which club should you make your first investment?
-
News
Confirmed: Tiger Woods is still a draw after Golf Channel ratings bump
Woods still does Tiger numbers.
-
Instruction
Why you can’t stop chunking your irons – and how to stop it
That’s Captain Chunk to you…
-
Courses
Ranking all 6 Australian states by the quality of their golf courses
How do Australia’s states stack up when it comes to their golf.
-
Equipment
Titleist launch incredible limited edition Mystic Blue Scotty Cameron HXXIII Newport Putter
The Mystic Blue Scotty Cameron HXXIII Newport Putter is breathtaking.
-
Equipment
The clubs Scottie Scheffler used to win the Hero World Challenge – including a new custom putter
Scottie Scheffler had a new putter in hand for his Hero World Challenge win.
-
Equipment
5 of the very best drivers to give you more distance off the tee
Looking for distance in a driver? We have you covered.