The opening round of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass had everything—pin-seeking iron shots, clutch putts, and a leaderboard bursting with golf’s biggest stars. But for DP World Tour fans, all eyes were on Rory McIlroy, who carded a scorching five-under-par 67 to sit just one shot off the early pace.
This time, nothing could throw him off his game—unlike his practice round, when he found himself caught up in an unexpected bit of mobile phone mayhem! Standing on the 7th tee, ready to unleash a trademark McIlroy bomb, he was rudely interrupted by a ringing phone. Clearly unimpressed, he later joked: “I don’t mind a bit of noise, but that was right in my downswing! Bit of a joke, really.”
Thankfully, when it really mattered, Rory was all business. Despite not being at his best off the tee, he stayed dialled in where it counted, rolling in birdies when it mattered most. “I didn’t hit it in as many fairways as I would have liked, but the greens were soft, so I could get away with it… for now,” he admitted.
With McIlroy in the hunt and looking sharp, DP World Tour fans have plenty to be excited about as the week unfolds!
Aaron Rai Makes Himself at Home
Meanwhile, Aaron Rai, who lives just a stone’s throw from Sawgrass, made full use of his local knowledge, carding a four-under-par 68. The Englishman looked in complete control as he plotted his way around the tricky layout, keeping himself firmly in the mix.
Laurie Canter might have dropped a shot at the infamous par3 17th but his Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship winning form was on show and he gathered himself to card a 68 and tied in ninth place.
Just one shot back is Robert MacIntyre, who also put himself in a solid position, posting a three-under-par 69. The lefty Scot continues to prove he belongs at the top table, and his ball-striking was on point once again.
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