Truist Championship: Rory McIlroy gets title defence under way as Keith Mitchell takes the lead
Rory McIlroy is returning as the defending champion at the Truist Championship, previously the Wells Fargo Championship; the reigning Masters champion will chase more major success at the PGA Championship this month; Watch both events live on Sky Sports Golf
Friday 9 May 2025 08:49, UK
Rory McIlroy began his title defence at the Truist Championship on Thursday with a four-under-par first round.
The Masters champion shot a 66 with six birdies in all and bogeys on the 11th and 15th holes.
He was five strokes behind the day one leader, America's Keith Mitchell who finished on Thursday at nine under.
- Rory McIlroy's results, news and 2025 schedule
- McIlroy's four past victories at Quail Hollow
- Stream the PGA Tour and more sport with NOW
Mitchell took full advantage of the different surroundings, setting a new course record with a nine-under-par 61 as only eight of the 72-strong field failed to break par.
After opening with five straight pars, the American birdied nine of the remaining 13 holes to lead by one from Denny McCarthy.
World No 2 McIlroy played alongside Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and is now competing as the defending champion at the Truist Championship, previously called the Wells Fargo Championship, ahead of next week's PGA Championship.
"I was a little rusty out there, just hadn't played in a week and I hadn't really done a ton of practice," said McIlroy.
"I drove the ball pretty well. I certainly can tidy a few things up, but overall a decent day."
Collin Morikawa, Rickie Fowler, Sepp Straka and Akshay Bhatia were a shot further back with Lowry and US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley among a group on six-under-par.
The Truist Championship is taking place at the Philadelphia Cricket Club in Pennsylvania rather than the Quail Hollow Club, where the PGA Championship will be held next week.
Lowry is tied for seventh after a bogey-free opening round of 64.
McIlroy became only the sixth player ever to complete a career Grand Slam with his dramatic victory in The Masters last month. He is looking to build towards a sixth major victory at the PGA Championship with another title win at this Signature Event this week.
"I don't want to diminish this tournament and this championship, but to me, with everything that's happened over the past couple of weeks, this was always going to be a great prep week for me to see where my game was and sort of refine a few things," McIlroy said.
"I still want to play well, and I still want to have a chance to win the tournament, but I'll have a much better gauge of where my game is going into next week after these four days than I would have had if I hadn't had played or if I just spent the week at home practising. It's an important week for me.
"Hopefully in two weeks' time you're talking about me being a six-time major champion instead of a five-time major champion."
Who will win the Truist Championship? Watch throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Early coverage begins on Friday from 4pm on Sky Sports Golf, ahead of full coverage from 7pm. Get Sky Sports or stream with NOW.
Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland
