"Starting the day I would have taken 65, but I feel like I could have been a few more ahead," McIlroy told Golf Channel after posting a nine-under 133 total. Americans Phil Mickelson (68) and Justin Thomas (66) and Englishman Ross Fisher (68) were equal second on seven-under, with world number one Dustin Johnson (66) among a trio one stroke further back. Four-times major champion McIlroy, 27, is playing just his second event of the year, after missing six weeks due to a rib injury. "I tried to approach this week, not with low expectations, but just to see how it went," said the former world number one. It’s the second shot this year I’ve holed with that nine-iron so it’s been a good club for me."

Source: The Star March 04, 2017 01:07 UTC