Mcilroy in form to regain No 1 spot from Koepka

Rory Mcilroy’s challenge to return to world No 1 after a five-year absence began in promising style at Torrey Pines as he shot a five-under 67 to figure high up on the Farmers Insurance Open leaderboard.

This was Mcilroy’s first competitive round of 2020, but he showed little sign of rust after a six-week break. Granted, the 30-year-old played on the easier North Course and will face a much sterner test on the South Course today, but his form off the tee was such that he should not and will not be daunted.

“If I could drive like that for the rest of the year, I’ll be very happy,” Mcilroy said. “I had a few clunky chips and I felt there were some weak and tentative putts. So yeah, I left a few shots out there, but I have to be satisfied.

“I’m not putting any pressure on myself, but I read a stat that I have never won in my first event of the year, and obviously this would be a great week to change.”

Nothing else but victory would be enough for him to displace Brooks Koepka at the top of the rankings, yet after his fifth place on his debut at the renowned San Diego club last year, he is clearly confident. “I feel I can improve each and every day this week,” Mcilroy said, after posting seven birdies and two bogeys.

The round of the day was a sixunder 66 by Denmark’s Sebastian Cappelen on the South Course. The world No341, who finished sixth on the PGA Tour last week, made eight birdies to take the early advantage.

Three back stood Tiger Woods, who has extra incentive to lift the title on Sunday. Not only has he already prevailed a record eight times at the resort, but another triumph would see him claim the record for most PGA Tour wins, with 83.

“Overall, I’m pleased to shoot something in the 60s, as this course was definitely gettable today,” Woods said after his own opening round of the year. “It felt good and my sight lines were a little tighter. There is a lot of positives heading into the South Course.”