McIlroy shares Players lead after whirlwind first round

McIlroy matched Smith’s 10 birdies in the final round of the Australian’s victory two years ago, but also dunked two tee shots into the water during his lowest start ever at the PGA Tour’s flagship event.

The Northern Irishman had a seven-under 65 to share the lead with U.S Open champion Wyndham Clark and fellow American Xander Schauffele.

Schauffele played bogey-free with a two nervous moments toward the end of his round, one leading to birdie and another for an unlikely par save.

Clark – already a winner at Pebble Beach this year – came on strong with three late birdies.

McIlroy would have led outright if he’d not pulled his tee shots into the water at the 7th and 18th holes.

“It would be nice to shoot 62 and not have two in the water,” he said.

The drama came not from the shots, but where to take his penalty drop. There were questions…