Rory McIlroy figured to be in the news a while for what went on last week in his life off the golf course.
Instead, he’s lighting up headlines and highlight reels by refinding the game that made him the No. 1 player in the world in 2011.
Just four days after roaring from behind to win the BMW Championship in Surrey, McIlroy blazed a trail to a 9-under 63 at the first round of the Memorial at Muirfield Village in Ohio Thursday.
The low score gives McIlroy a three-stroke lead over England’s Paul Casey, and the US’ Chris Kirk and Masters champion Bubba Watson.
Just eight days ago, McIlroy was addressing a media swarm over his breaking his engagement to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki three days after the pair sent their wedding invitations out.
McIlroy won the BMW Championship on Sunday despite being seven strokes behind to start the final round. On Thursday, he was 4-under at the turn and overcame a double bogey on No. 14 thanks to eagles on 11 and 15.
Watson went toe-to-toe with McIlroy for the first 15 holes, racking up an eagle and six birdies before recording bogeys on No. 16 and 17 to finish with a 66.
Current world No. 1 Adam Scott fired a 3-under 69.
On the player-friendly, Jack Nickalus-designed course, 44 players shot at least 1-under par. Among those not in that 44 is British Open champion Phil Mickelson, who was 4-under through the front nine and 5-under through 15 before falling apart.
Mickelon bogeyed No. 16, then finished his round with back-to-back doubles to finish tied for 45th at even par with a 72.
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