A day after talk of a new world golf rivalry between Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth and the current World No. 1 stormed six shots clear of the Masters champion with a three under par 69 on the opening day of the Players Championship.

McIlroy capped his round in holing a seven-foot putt for eagle at the par five, 16th that he was playing as his eighth on the TPC Sawgrass course.

It left the four-time Major winner just two shots behind Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama who enjoyed the clubhouse lead on five under par.

Reigning FedEx Cup champion Billy Horschel was already well-placed with a four under par 68.

McIlroy is competing in the second of five straight events up to an including the Irish Open starting later this month on May 28th.

Jordan Spieth watches the shot of Rory McIlroy on day one of the 2015 Players Championship. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffilie.ie)

“The course is all about staying patient and while there is a lot of pars on my card, but I was able to pick off a couple of birdies and then a nice eagle on 16, so very pleased with the start,” said McIlroy.

Spieth’s round of a three over par 75 was his highest since a similar 75 on day one of the WGC – Cadillac Championship at Trump Doral in suburban Miami.

The reigning Augusta National winning hero managed to hit just nine of 14 fairways and afterwards put the day down to one of those rounds you sometimes expect to play in golf.

“It was just one of those days where I started maybe looking into it a little too much rather than just accepting the bad breaks I was getting,” said the Texan.

“It just happens once in a while and I’ll get over it.

“I’m fortunate we have had a lot of time before tee off tomorrow afternoon versus a quick turnaround, so I am just going to have to fins some answers.”