Masters champ Rory McIlroy admitted he was a little rusty in taking Route 66 on the opening day of his defence of the Truist title at the Philadelhphia Golf Club in Pennsylvania.
McIlroy, competing in his first ‘individual’ tournament since being fitted with an Augusta National members green jacket, picked-up six birdies and dropped two shots in his four-under score on the opening day of the $20m event a week out from the PGA Championship.
Rory McIlroy – Image @TruistChamp
American Kevin Mitchell leads the way posting a nine-under 61 to be one clear of compatriot Denny McCarthy.
McIlroy had teamed with fellow Irishman and close friend, Shane Lowry three weeks ago to defend their Zurich Classic of New Orleans but this week the duo are back to regular Tour competition and with Lowry finishing two shots fewer thanks to a bogey-free six-under 64.
The Truist Championship is the title name for the former Wells Fargo Championship but is being staged this year in PA as the long-time host venue of the Quail Hollow Golf Club in Charlotte, North Carloina is next week hosting the PGA Championship.
McIlroy won his four Truist titles at Quail Hollow when named the Wells Fargo Championship – 2010, 2015, 2021 and 2014.
366-yard missile and a birdie from Rory McIlroy on the second hole
He’s sitting +1400 live for First Round Leader, check out his round on the @ESPNBET Feed on @PGATOURLIVE pic.twitter.com/bNn1TiUCWB
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 8, 2025
“It think it worked out fine,” said McIlroy.
“I drove the ball pretty well. I missed it in a couple of spots but was sort of able to get away with it.
“The mistakes I made mostly were from around the greens, the three-putt on 12 and then making six at 15.
“Apart from that, I played pretty good. I felt like I was a little rusty out there, just hadn’t played in a week and I hadn’t really done a ton of practice, especially like on and around the greens.
“I certainly can tidy a few things up but, overall, a decent day.”
