Late setback in Day’s bid to make history

William McGirt sets early pace, while Russell Knox disappoints

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.”

Day was three shots behind clubhouse leader William McGirt, who eagled the 11th and 16th in his 67.

McGirt enjoyed a one-shot lead over compatriot JB Holmes, and Sweden’s Alex Noren, 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.

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

Masters champion Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy were among the later starters, and Garcia had just four players below him on the leaderboard after taking 40 shots to cover the front nine.

That included a double bogey after four-putting the fifth.

McIlroy, in his first tournament since getting married and signing a multimillion-pound equipment deal with TaylorMade, was one over after 13 holes.

Playing partner Dustin Johnson was level.

Picture: Getty. Scotland’s Russell Knox opened with a disappointing 76.