Triple FexEx Cup No. 1 Rory McIlroy reckons the PGA Tour’s newest champion in American Jake Knapp is the ‘full package”.

McIlroy and Knapp, along with defending The Coznigant Classic champ Chris Kirk are out together for the opening two rounds of the host PGA National course at Palm Beach Gardens.

All three players performer well with McIlroy and Kirk signing for four-under 67s and Knapp, in his very first apperance, just one back.

Image – PGA Tour

McIlroy was asked his thoughts playing alongside the reigning Mexican Open champ and if he could be a star of the future.

“Yeah, he could definitely be a star. It looks like he’s got the full package”, said McIlroy.

“He’s obviously got the speed. He can control that speed pretty well. He hit some beautiful shots out there today. Looks like his short game is pretty good.

“He’s got charisma and like we had a good chat out there for a lot of the round. He’s in good shape, and he — if he keeps playing the way he is, he’s the full package. He could be a superstar out here for sure”

McIlroy capped his first round in the tournament since last competing in 2018 by holing a stunning 32-footer for birdie at the par-3 17th that he was playing as his eighth.