February 28, 2014: Rory McIlroy shot a 7-under 63 to take a one-shot lead over Russell Henley after the opening round at PGA National at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida.
McIlroy, the one who walked off the course in frustration in the middle of his second round after playing his first eight holes in 7 over last year, would never want to repeat of 2013.
Mentaly and physically focussed, McIlroy was in total control of his game and himself, making seven birdies and no bogeys. He also made a couple of lengthy putts, including a 45-footer for birdie on the par-4 11th.
“I’ve reached a point now where I’m very comfortable with everything in my game and my swing,” McIlroy said.
It has largely looked that way since late last year when McIlroy strung together fifth and sixth-place finishes in Asia before winning in Australia.
He then carried that momentum to 2014, finishing second in Abu Dhabi and ninth in Dubai.
It’s a long way from where McIlroy was last summer when he failed to find any sort of consistency.
“When you’re on and you’re playing the way I’m playing right now and feeling very comfortable with everything, you wonder how it ever felt so uncomfortable,” he said. “Then when it feels so uncomfortable, you wonder how it ever felt so comfortable. It’s just a tiny thing that needs to click.”
That came through the hard work he put in with coach Michael Bannon and short game guru Dave Stockton, particularly last week in Arizona where McIlroy made a slight adjustment to his putting grip.
The result? Just 25 putts after hitting 14 greens in regulation in the opening round.
McIlroy admitted to being more settled off the course, too. He has fully moved into his house here, recently got engaged to Caroline Wozniacki and had plenty to smile about Thursday.
While, Tiger Woods admitted that he didn’t make much after shooting 1-over-par 71 on the Champions Course on day one.
“I’m in a great place,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier.”
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