In-form Rory McIlroy not looking to prove a point amid LIV Golf threat

Rory McIlroy insists he is not playing to prove a point with the PGA Tour facing the biggest threat in its history from the LIV Golf Invitational Series.

The world No 2 won the Canadian Open a fortnight ago and contended at last week's US Open – eventually finishing joint fifth – before equalling his lowest opening round on the American tour on Thursday with a bogey-free 62 at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut.

His eight-under-par score gave him a share of the lead with American JT Poston, one ahead of Olympic gold medallist Xander Schauffele and Scotland’s Martin Laird, and maintained his recent good form, but the 33-year-old dismissed suggestions the ructions caused by the Saudi-backed breakaway had helped him up his game.

"I just think it so happens that the most protective of the PGA Tour are the best players in the world right now," he said.

"I’m not going out to try to prove anything to anyone. I’m in a good run of form. I’m playing well.

"Whether that gives me a little more confidence to speak up on certain issues, maybe, but I’m just going out there trying to play my game and trying to win some more tournaments."

Playing the last perfectly