Early riser

McIlroy shoots 62 in morning, ties Poston for lead

CROMWELL — Rory McIlroy has been the most outspoken against his former PGA Tour colleagues who have defected to the LIV Tour.

He used the word “duplicitous” to describe those who have expressed their loyalty to the tour first, then changed their mind to make the jump to LIV. Brooks Koepka was the latest marquee name to leave one tour for the other.

If McIlroy wasn’t the face of the PGA Tour before, he is now. And when it actually comes to golf, McIlroy is still as good as there is when he is on his game.

He was on Thursday, firing a 8-under-par 62 at TPC River Highlands, tying J.T. Poston for the first-round lead at the Travelers Championship.

“I think at this point it’s just, energy levels are okay. I’m feeling a little under the weather, but it’s just concentration at this point,” McIlroy said. “I’ve got three more rounds left until I have a couple of weeks off and prepare for the Open Championship. I’m going to put everything into those three rounds.”

Xander Schauffele, who played in the group in front of

McIlroy, is tied for second place with Martin Laird. Both golfers shot 7-under 63s.

And like McIlroy, both men played in the morning wave. Schauffele hit all 18 greens in his round of 63.

“I probably had enough putts today to shoot something in the 50s, I think. I didn’t really make any long putts, so it was kind of a testament to how well I hit it,” Schauffele said.

Schauffele has been among many rumored to LIV, but he voiced his decision recently to remain on the PGA Tour. He is No. 15 in the world rankings.

McIlroy is second behind No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who is the reigning Masters champion and is tied for 28th after his opening round of 2-under 68.

Travelers has itself a very good leaderboard for an opening round. The three-way tie for fifth place includes world No. 6 Patrick Cantlay, former U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson and Charles Howell III, all at 6-under 64.

“Having a day where you don’t make any bogeys is always a good day. I took advantage of the holes on the back nine that you’re supposed to,” Cantlay said.

Michael Reaves / Getty Images Rory McIlroy smiles as he finishes his round on the ninth green during the first round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands on Thursday in Cromwell.