A pair of eagles helps Rory to soar upwards

TRUST Rory McIlroy to deliver a few fireworks in his first round back as world No 1. Two eagle threes in the space of just three holes were the highlights in a fine opening 68 in the Genesis Invitational. The Northern Irishman took up residence on the early leaderboard as his three-under score was bettered by only four players in the morning wave. American Matt Kuchar was clubhouse leader with a startling 64, while McIlroy’s playing partner, Patrick Cantlay, also shot 68. ‘I’m delighted with the score because I made such a sluggish start,’ said McIlroy. ‘The two eagles really fired my round up because it was a real struggle to that point. Now I’m looking forward to the rest of the event because this is such a thinker’s golf course.’

Brooks Koepka, the man he displaced on Monday at the top of the rankings, showed his intention to regain top spot with a birdie at the last for a 69, a total matched by Tiger Woods after he bogeyed his final hole. Starting from the tenth, the clear turning point for McIlroy was the par-three 16th. One over, he was in danger of dropping another when his bunker recovery slipped 12ft past. But he holed out and walked to the par-five 17th tee with a little momentum. What followed were two blows only a handful of pros are capable of playing. A par five measuring a shade under 600 yards, McIlroy hit a monstrous drive and then a three wood to the heart of the green, before rolling in the 35ft putt. Not even a dropped shot at the 18th could alter the feeling his round finally had lift-off. Sure enough, at the par-five first, McIlroy followed another textbook tee shot with a seven iron that made light of a difficult flag location, as the ball finished six feet away. An encouraging feature at the start of this hectic run leading to the Masters is just how well he is putting at the moment. Scotland’s Martin Laird carded a par 71, with Russell Knox on 74.