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The Northern Irishman carded an eagle, six birdies and a bogey
to gain a two-stroke lead. It marked the latest success for
McIlroy at Bay Hill, where he has posted five straight top-10
finishes and celebrated a tourney win in 2018.
"I think you turn up at any golf course where you've had
success, and automatically you're going to have some confidence
coming in," McIlroy said. "I've shot some really nice scores
here. ... I feel there's a nice flow to this golf course where
you can really build a score."
That included the course's four par-5 holes, in which McIlroy
reeled off a trio of birdies and an eagle on No. 16. He hit a
328-yard drive, put his second shot on the green and drained a
41-foot putt for the eagle.
McIlroy said when it came to success on the par-5s, his second
shots were more important than his drives.
"When I start hitting long irons like that, I know my swing's in
a pretty good place," he said. "Seeing shots like that certainly
gives me some confidence."
Three golfers are tied for second place, two shots back of
McIlroy. Beau Hossler, J.J. Spaun and Billy Horschel each shot a
5-under 67 in the opening round.
Horschel said the course required accuracy in the fairways
because of particularly challenging rough. He was happy with
what he described as a "smart" round with his caddie's
assistance.
"If you miss the fairway here, it's sort of, you're gambling
with your money a little bit to see what kind of lie you get,"
he said.
A half-dozen golfers shot a 4-under 66 to stay within three
strokes of McIlroy. The group tied for fifth place includes Will
Zalatoris, Charles Howell III, Graeme McDowell of Northern
Ireland, Sungjae Im of South Korea, Australian Adam Scott and
Englishman Ian Poulter.
The tournament's defending champion, Bryson DeChambeau, is
sitting out this year's competition as he continues to recover
from wrist and hip injuries.
--Field Level Media
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