Part of complete coverage on
McIlroy gets back in the swing at Quail Hallow
May 3, 2013 -- Updated 1228 GMT (2028 HKT)
World No. 2 Rory McIlroy signed a lucrative deal with Nike in January.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Rory McIlroy shares the lead after first round of the Wells Fargo Open
- The World No. 2 shot a five-under-par round of 67 at Quail Hallow
- Six Americans share the early lead with Northern Ireland's McIlroy
- Phil Mickelson and Zach Johnson one stroke back on four under
(CNN) -- Two-time major winner Rory McIlroy showed glimpses of the form which shot him to the top of the world rankings by hitting a five-under-par round of 67 to share the lead after the opening round of the Wells Fargo Open.
McIlroy, who has struggled to produce his best golf since signing with Nike in January, shares the top of the leaderboard with six American players.
"I felt like I played really well," the world No. 2 told the PGA Tour's official website after a round which included seven birdies and two bogeys.
"I feel a lot more comfortable with my swing and a lot more comfortable with where my game is at. That's always going to make it easier."
Bubba Watson on shaping shots
Actor Adam Scott hates the golfer
Exclusive: McIlroy on media scrutiny
Living Golf meets Bubba
Read: "Baby" Ye makes Tour history
McIlroy won this event in 2010 and is playing for the first time since tying for 25th at the Masters in April.
"I love this golf course," added the 23-year-old, referring to the Quail Hallow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. "I always seem to play well here, so that's an added benefit.
"I took the best part of two weeks off after Augusta and didn't touch a club. Flew back out to Florida last Friday, had three or four really good days' practice, and I feel good about my game.
"I knew if I could just take that from there to here, I'd do OK."
Read: Korean tensions scare off U.S. golfers
Alongside McIlroy are the six Americans Ryan Moore, Nick Watney, Robert Garrigus, Derek Ernst, Daniel Summerhays and Nate Smith.
Four-time major winner Phil Mickelson and 2007 Masters winner Zach Johnson are part of a six-strong group one stroke further back on four under.
"I really like this golf course," said Mickelson, who is looking for a first career win at this event. "I think from tee to green it's one of the best I've ever seen. I really enjoy playing here.
"I've had some good finishes, but you're right. I haven't been able to break through and get a win. This year, hopefully, it will be different because I am playing well and I do really enjoy it here."
Part of complete coverage on
April 16, 2013 -- Updated 1615 GMT (0015 HKT)
Masters champion Adam Scott not only has to contend with national hero status at home but also the role of golf's latest sex symbol.
April 12, 2013 -- Updated 1118 GMT (1918 HKT)
Discover why golf's old school establishment fears a new breed of players creating new popularity with their online antics.
April 11, 2013 -- Updated 1854 GMT (0254 HKT)
Following the web's reaction to Adam Scott's dramtic triumph at the 2013 Masters.
April 12, 2013 -- Updated 1408 GMT (2208 HKT)
It's not just golf that makes Augusta so special -- there's also James Brown, cheese pimiento sandwiches, turkeys and ghosts.
March 26, 2013 -- Updated 1300 GMT (2100 HKT)
As a swimmer, his countless hours of training paid off handsomely. As a golfer, Michael Phelps is wondering what he got himself into.
April 1, 2013 -- Updated 1306 GMT (2106 HKT)
American D.A. Points celebrates his win at the Houston Open by joining in the "Dufnering" craze that has gripped golf recently.
March 7, 2013 -- Updated 1340 GMT (2140 HKT)
Ernie Els' coach Claude Harmon and former world No.1 Martin Kaymer tell Living Golf that anchored putting is dividing the sport.
March 7, 2013 -- Updated 1349 GMT (2149 HKT)
Matteo Manassero, the youngest player to qualify for the Masters, reflects on his career and the boy who will break one of his records.
March 7, 2013 -- Updated 1334 GMT (2134 HKT)
Living Golf meets Thorbjorn Olesen as the rising star of European golf prepares for the most important tournaments of his career.
March 13, 2013 -- Updated 1925 GMT (0325 HKT)
Martin Kaymer reflects on his performance at the 39th Ryder Cup, when he sunk the winning putt against the United States.
February 7, 2013 -- Updated 1501 GMT (2301 HKT)
CNN's Shane O'Donoghue asks how much Rory McIlroy's new multimillion-dollar sponsorship deal is really worth.
February 7, 2013 -- Updated 1748 GMT (0148 HKT)
Living Golf meets Paul McGinley, who talks about becoming Europe's new Ryder Cup captain.
February 18, 2013 -- Updated 1149 GMT (1949 HKT)
Paul McGinley's former captain, Sam Torrance, shares some advice for the pro golfer turned new Ryder Cup captain.
February 7, 2013 -- Updated 1516 GMT (2316 HKT)
Don Riddell explores whether Tuscany can follow up on Italy's successes on the European Tour and develop golf tourism.
February 7, 2013 -- Updated 1512 GMT (2312 HKT)
2010 PGA Champion Martin Kaymer shares his favorite shots with CNN's Shane O'Donoghue.
February 5, 2013 -- Updated 1840 GMT (0240 HKT)
Two men with lofty ambitions in a midwestern town of the United States have finally realized their dream after months of endeavor.
January 3, 2013 -- Updated 1213 GMT (2013 HKT)
Living Golf's Shane O'Donoghue explores the changing role of black players in South African golf.
January 3, 2013 -- Updated 1307 GMT (2107 HKT)
Shane O'Donoghue meets South Africa's Branden Grace, the outstanding breakout player from the 2012 European season.
January 3, 2013 -- Updated 1214 GMT (2014 HKT)
Shane O'Donoghue meets Dr. Sherylle Calder, the woman who taught reigning British Open champion Ernie Els how to putt again.
December 22, 2012 -- Updated 1439 GMT (2239 HKT)
It's crazy golf on an insane scale -- a putting green swimming in a giant bowl of noodles and the Great Wall of China for a hazard.
Today's five most popular stories
© 2013 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
|