(Ponte Vedra Beach) Rory McIlroy made plenty of birdies and added some drama Thursday at the PGA Players Championship. But all that matters to him is that he shares first place at the end of the first round.
McIlroy made 10 birdies in one round to tie the record for this major, but sent two tee shots into the water. His card of 65 (-7) is his career best in this tournament. It allows him to be tied for the lead with Wyndham Clark and Xander Schauffele.
Schauffele avoided bogeys, but not without experiencing two stressful moments at the end of the round. In the first, he recorded a birdie, then in the second, he implausibly saved the furniture with a par.
Clark, already a winner at Pebble Beach this year, entered the race with three late birdies.
The Canadian Nick Taylor (66) placed himself in a good position, one shot from first place. He is tied for fourth with former U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick.
Before McIlroy, Cameron Smith was the last to go one stroke less than par 10 times in a single round of the Players Championship. It was on the last day of competition in 2022, en route to the title.
“It would have been nice to score a 62 and not send two shots into the water,” McIlroy said.
McIlroy’s penalty shot on the seventh hole generated a lengthy debate with Jordan Spieth and Viktor Hovland, due to confusion over where the Northern Irishman should resume play. But McIlroy believes he placed his ball at a good place.
“I think Jordan just wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing,” McIlroy said. I was pretty sure my ball had gone past where I was putting it back. It’s difficult. There were no replays to see. I was adamant. But like I say, I think he wanted to make sure I was going to do this right. »
Spieth struggled with a card of 74, which could earn him the ax for the sixth time in 10 appearances at this event. Hovland, for his part, made a double bogey in conclusion and claimed a return of 73.
Canadian Corey Conners (68) is in 13e place and his compatriot Mackenzie Hughes (70) in 37e. Ben Silverman (72) was satisfied with par, in 76e position, while Adam Svensson is at 109e step, at 74 (+ 2). Taylor Pendrith and Adam Hadwin played 75 (+3), at 126e rank.
Some players were not able to complete the first round before darkness forced the interruption of activities.