Rory McIlroy shared the lead at the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio after him and American Chris Riley produced opening rounds of 66. The Ulsterman was the only stranger in the top 20 after the first day next his six-under-par presentation on Thursday, which saw him birdie three holes in a row from the sixth to find himself next to Riley.
I was actually happy with the way I played today,McIlroy told pgatour.com.I got off to a little bit of a scrappy start on my front nine, which was the back nine. I got it up and down a few times just to keep for myself around one or two under par and then found a few birdies on the way in, which was the bulk of my birdies.I'm happy with 66; it's a great way to start the contest.
The Ryder Cup star added:This is one of my favorite weeks of the year and one of my favorite golf courses.I feel as if it really does set up well for me. I like these sort of golf route, the likes of here and Akron and Quail Hollow, and I sort of feel as if I'm pretty at ease on courses like that.
I'm fluctuation well, I'm rhythm it good, and I'm holing a few putts, so with any luck I can keep it going for the next three days.A shot behind McIlroy and Riley were Chris DiMarco and Josh Teater after 67s while a group of nine on four under incorporated Rickie Fowler and Stewart Cink.
Englishman Luke Donald's two-under saw him in a large group tied for 22nd. Justin Rose and Ernie Els were a further blast at the back.