RORY MCILROY maintained his resurgence after his low final round-of-the-day at last week’s US Open.
The Northern Irishman carded a flawless opening round of six-under-par 64 at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut.
Fresh off a final-round 67 at the US Open, McIlroy carried that momentum into the low-scoring TPC River Highlands track.
The Masters champions carded six birdies to sit tied-second midway through Day 1.
He is two shots behind early leader Aaron Eckroat, who carded a stunning – career best – round of 65 to hold the clubhouse lead.
McIlroy was joined in the clubhouse at six-under by his US Ryder Cup captain playing partner Keegan Bradley, and 2023 US Open champion Wyndham Clark.
Cameron Young sits one back on five-under, while a packed group at four-under includes Viktor Hovland, Tommy Fleetwood, and Jason Day.
Jordan Spieth pulled up during his round with an injury, the three-time major winner clearly in discomfort after the 6th hole of his opening round.
He followed up on the 7th – but wailed in pain after his tee shot – as he attempts to solider on as he remains on course at time of publish.
Many of the afternoon starters have just teed off on the east coast of the United States with the tee times later than usual for the final Signature event of the season.
The Travelers purse is $20 million, with $3.6 million going to the winner in addition to 700 FedEx Cup points.
There is no cut at the Travelers Championship. All 72 players will play all four rounds.
All the action is live on Sky Sports Golf.
