Rory McIlroy, results

On the TPC River Highlands course (par 70), Northern Irishman McIlroy leads the leaderboard for the third time this season after the first 18 holes of a top American men’s circuit. Good start also for Xander Schauffele, gold medal at the Tokyo Games, third with 63 (-7) like the Scottish Martin Laird.

Among the big names, Patrick Cantlay is in fifth position with 64 (-6). Same score for Charles Howell III and Webb Simpson. While Harris Englis, reigning champion, is tenth with 66 (-4). Not an exciting start for Scottie Scheffler.

The American, leader of the world ranking, is 30 / o with 68 (-2) after a round characterized by three birdies, with a bogey. He disappoints Jordan Spieth, only 148 / o with 75 (+5). For the Texan this is his highest score in 15 laps played at TPC River Highlands.

Rory uses an interlock grip for all of her shots. He has worked from a young age with various professional golfers including Darren Clarke, Nick Faldo, and Graeme McDowell. The latter often does field tests with Rory on the tour.

Rory was putted by Dave Stockton, a former PGA Tour player who works as a putt master. Initially he was taught by Englishman Andrew “Chubby” Chandler, a player on the European Tour who founded International Sports Management (ISM).

McIlroy left ISM in 2011, joining Dublin-based Horizon Sports Management. Michael Bannon has worked with Rory since October 2012. He has been engaged since 2011 with the Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, already number one in the WTA ranking, forming one of the most famous young couples in international sport.

On May 21, 2014, however, the two broke off their relationship shortly before the wedding. On April 22, 2017, he married Erica Stoll, a 29-year-old from Florida who works for the PGA, met at the 2012 Ryder Cup, and with whom he was engaged on May 31, 2015.