Friday 4 March 2016 18:10, UK
Jordan Spieth admits he is still some way from finding his best form, despite making an encouraging start to the WGC-Cadillac Championship.
Spieth was the pick of the performers as part of Thursday's marquee group alongside Rory McIlroy and Jason Day, posting an opening-round 69 to stay within three strokes of early pacesetter Scott Piercy.
The world No 1 has struggled to find replicate last year's major-winning form since cruising to victory at January's Hyundai Tournament of Championship, missing out on a top-20 finish at the AT&T Pebble Beach and suffering an early exit at the Northern Trust Open.
Although the 22-year-old fired five birdies during his round and carded a bogey-free back nine on the 'Blue Monster', Spieth feels he has more work to do to get his game completely back on track.
"I don't feel great about the way I am striking the ball," Spieth told Sky Sports. "I've been doing quite a bit of work.
"I'm working really hard trying to develop patience through my swing and get into my right side. I have been transitioning a little quick and that leads to a shorter swing and more inconsistent ball striking.
"We (the marquee group) had fun and for a while there were feeding off each other, turning in two, two and three under. It was nice to try and get into a rhythm together because the last few weeks have been a little rough on all three of us."
McIlroy found the water off the final tee on his way to a one-under 71, while Day fared the worst of the marquee group with a level-par 72.
"It wasn't that bad," Day said. "Shooting even par is not a bad score around here.
"It was a little rough day with me and my short game. Usually that's kind of the strength of my game, but I had no idea what the putts were doing out there on the greens.
"On top of it, wasn't chipping it close enough to hole those putts. Four bogeys is not what I wanted to have, especially in the first round."
Watch the WGC-Cadillac Championship live throughout the week on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf. Live coverage gets underway on Friday from 6pm.
