Solid start for McIlroy at Players Championship as Spieth stalls
WORLD No1 Rory McIlroy made a solid start to the Players Championship after carding an opening three-under-par 69 in the first round in Florida yesterday.
Northern Ireland’s McIlroy lies two shots off the lead, which was shared overnight by Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, Canada’s David Hearn and United States duo Charley Hoffman and Kevin Na. Jordan Spieth, who moved into the world No2 slot after victory at the Masters last month, struggled to a three-over 75 and showed his frustration by throwing his ball into the water after bogeying the 16th.
Former US Open champion Justin Rose and Ian Poulter finished two shots behind McIlroy after carding a one-under 71.Welshman Jamie Donaldson finished two under par.