CHARLOTTE, N.C.—A little time away from golf paid off for birthday boy Rory McIlroy.
The world’s third-ranked player shot a 3–under 68 at the Wells Fargo Championship on Thursday, May 4, in his first tournament since missing the cut at the Masters, leaving him three shots behind first-round leader Tommy Fleetwood.
Fleetwood’s 6–under 65 was one stroke better than Xander Schauffele, Kevin Streelman, Taylor Moore, K.H. Lee and Ryan Palmer, who are tied for second after opening 66s.
Patrick Cantlay, with Tiger Woods’ former caddie Joe LaCava on his bag, shot 67.
Rickie Fowler of the United States plays his shot from the eighth tee during the first round of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte, N.C., on May 4, 2023. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
McIlroy withdrew from the HBC Heritage following a disappointing second round 77 at Augusta National, a controversial decision that cost him a $3 million bonus for failing to meet the playing requirements for the PGA Tour’s new Player Impact Program….