Rampant Rory McIlroy’s the man to beat but Tommy Fleetwood has a real shocker at Arnold Palmer Invitational
- Rory McIlroy produced a masterclass to hit 66 at Arnold Palmer Invitational
- Tommy Fleetwood is under threat of missing the cut for first time in three years
- Tyrrell Hatton is joint fifth after a fine display on return from a wrist injury
Another masterclass from Rory McIlroy but a nightmare first round for Tommy Fleetwood at the Arnold Palmer Invitational to suggest he was more bothered by Paul Azinger’s intemperate words than he let on.
While the Northern Irishman shot a six-under-par 66 to continue the sublime form that has seen him post six successive top-five finishes, the Englishman who has been almost as consistent stumbled to a score no fewer than 10 shots worse.
McIlroy is one shot off the lead held by American Matt Every, who shouldn’t be underestimated given his two wins as a pro both came in this event.
Rory McIlroy was having a blast on his way to a 66 at Bay Hill in the Arnold Palmer Invitational
Fleetwood’s goal today will be preserving his record of not missing a cut for almost three years — by far the longest of any current player — which is under grave threat.
Fleetwood finished third here last year but spent the build-up in the middle of a media storm, after Azinger had dismissed the Merseysider’s considerable achievements to this point in a television commentary last Sunday and said he had to win in America to prove himself.
Interestingly, in an exclusive interview with Sportsmail, Fleetwood pointed out the damage such comments could cause to a player’s mental health. While he did not think it would bother him, it hardly seems coincidence that this was the first time in 118 rounds on the PGA Tour that he failed to register a birdie.
Tommy Fleetwood struggled at times on the course and failed to register a birdie
McIlroy’s first six holes included a ball in the water, a missed two-foot putt and another that came up short in the jaws of the hole.
The world No 1, however, is so good right now that he can afford to give everyone a six-hole head start, and thereafter he was a man transformed, playing his last 12 holes in seven under. He was not happy with his driving in his first three tournaments this year — he did, after all, only finish third, tied fifth and fifth — but some extra practice paid dividends with a formidable display of power hitting.
McIlroy led after the first round in Mexico a fortnight ago, only to fade. In words that sounded like a warning to the rest, the 30-year-old said: ‘I’m playing a lot better here and this course suits my style of play more than Mexico.’
Two Englishmen who have experienced their own frustrations of late found their way on to the leaderboard.
A fifth place was earned by Tyrrell Hatton after shooting 68 on his return from a wrist injury
Tyrrell Hatton, back after a wrist operation took weeks longer than expected to heal, shot a fine 68 to be tied fifth. ‘It makes you appreciate the game more after being desperate to start practising again, but the doctor tells you the wrist still needs a few weeks longer,’ he said.
Matt Wallace began with four birdies on his way to a 69. He said: ‘The last six months have been a rude awakening. To get into the world’s top 30 and then fall as far as I have (he is 53rd) was a shock, but I’m hitting the ball now as well as I’ve ever done.’
Two Orlando residents, Graeme McDowell and Ian Poulter — they live within 500 yards of one another — made fine starts in the more difficult afternoon conditions with rounds of 68 and 69 respectively.