Fast start by Irish trio at CJ Cup

American pair Trey Mullinax and Gary Woodland lead the way after the first round of the CJ Cup, but they have a trio of Irish players breathing down their necks.

The leading duo shot opening-round 65s at Congaree Golf Club in South Carolina, and that leaves them one stroke ahead of Rory McIlroy [five-under], two ahead of Seamus Power [four-under] and three ahead of Shane Lowry [three-under].

McIlroy made a blistering start to the tournament as he aims to become world number one for the ninth time in his career.

McIlroy can return to the top of the world rankings for the first time since July 2020 by winning his 23rd PGA Tour event, and he came out of the traps fast with three birdies in his first six holes.

McIlroy, the holder of the CJ Cup, the event moving to the new venue from Las Vegas, picked up shots at the 12th and 15th, after driving the green, to complete a fine day's work.

FULL LEADERBOARD

Power was last off of the Irish contingent and despite a closing bogey, he sits inside the top 10.

The highlight of his round was an eagle at the 12th as his chipped effort from the bunker checked slightly right and just caught the edge of the hole to drop.

Offaly man Lowry didn’t drop a shot all day, and birdies at the fourth and 12th and the short par-four 15th, along with 15 pars, left him in a tie for 15th.