Rory McIlroy’s work over the past fortnight paid dividends with the double Major Champion needing just 28 putts in a three under par 69 on the opening day of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow.

McIlroy had six birdies and with the 2010 champion singling out the highlights of his round being his birdies on the par three sixth and 17th holes.

It is the second straight year McIlroy has broken 70 on the first day in now five appearances in Charlotte.

Rory McIlroy finds himself the center of media attention after his round of 69 on day one of the Wells Fargo Championship. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

“I felt like I played well and I gave myself chances for birdies,” he said.

“I felt like I also putted a little better today than I have in the last few weeks so that’s a good positive.”

In fact, McIlroy had five one putts from his fifth hole.

Rory McIlroy wearing his Masters theme golf shoes but stepping off the Quail Hollow course with just 28 putts. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

The current World No. 11 had visited the Media Center of the eve of the $US 6.9m event remarking how disappointed he was with his efforts on the greens at the Masters.

“I must have missed 15 putts inside eight feet the week of the Masters,” he said.

“So I worked on a few things since the Masters and that’s part of the game I am trying to improve a little bit more because I’m like 140th or 150th in putting this year, and the only time I finished inside the top 100 was 2012 when I won a few events.”

Rory McIlroy shoots a three under par 69 as ISMs Nick Mullen gets himself in the shot wearing a pink shirt. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)