McIlroy rides luck to 66 as Tour Championship opener at East Lake
ATLANTA — Rory McIlroy benefited from a fortunate bounce and steady nerves in the opening round of the Tour Championship at East Lake, signing for a 4-under 66.
Starting the day with a chance to surge, McIlroy reached the par-5 18th in trouble after a bunker shot he sliced into the stands. The ball bladed from 39 yards, caromed off the bleachers, and caromed back onto the green, finishing 17 feet from the hole. He canned the birdie putt to cap a late-round surge just as inclement weather loomed and officials were poised to suspend play.
“Oh, no, pretty much,” McIlroy said when asked about the risky shot, noting it came out thinner and faster than intended. “Pretty lucky in the end,” he added, joking that social media would have a field day with the moment.
Scottie Scheffler fired a 63, two strokes behind leader Russell Henley, who shot 61. Scheffler admitted relief when McIlroy’s ball found the green after the near-miss, as the pair worried about losing the opportunity to finish if play was halted.
As the old saying goes, it’s better to be lucky than good.
Notes and context:
– Henley leads after a 61, with Scheffler two shots back at 63 and McIlroy at 66.
– The late-round drama underscored how weather can shape momentum in the Tour Championship, where every stroke matters in the race toward the FedExCup.
What this means going forward:
– McIlroy’s round showcases resilience and the ability to capitalize on breaks, essential traits in a tournament that rewards consistency across a demanding East Lake layout.
– The looming weather factor may heighten tension for the weekend, making every hole a potential turning point.
Summary:
McIlroy’s round featured a dramatic, fortunate breakout on the final hole that helped him post 66, while Henley holds the early lead and Scheffler remains within striking distance. The opening round set the stage for an exciting finish as conditions and scores evolve on the weekend.