Tough day for Europeans at Sawgrass

THE PLAYERS: North American duo top leaderboard on five under after first round

American William McGirt and Canadian Mackenzie Hughes shared the first round lead at Sawgrass on five under par after 67s in the Players Championship this morning.

Rory McIlroy, in his first tournament since getting married and signing a multi-million-pound equipment deal with Taylor Made, finished on one over par, but had been four over with only a few holes to play.

Spain’s Sergio Garcia also struggled to a one over 73, after covering the front nine in 40, but again he rallied over the closing holes and holed out in one on the 17th.

Defending champion Jason Day shrugged off a poor finish to his opening round as he targeted an achievement which proved beyond the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus.

Since the inception of the Players Championship in 1974 no player has successfully defended the title.

Day played his first 11 holes in five under, but the 29-year-old Australian bogeyed three of his last four holes and had to settle for a 70.

“I’m not that disappointed,” Day told Sky Sports. “I played some good golf.”

Sweden’s Alex Noren shot a four under 68, with Italy’s Francesco Molinari and former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen part of a large group on three under.

Day was joined on two under by Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickleson. Dustin Johnson shot 71 to be one under.

There was disappointment for Russell Knox, who opened with a four-over par 76. Fellow Scot Martin Laird was two shots better off.

Picture: Getty. Spain’s Sergio Garcia acknowledges the crowd after his holein-one at the 17th.