Red-hot Rory McIlroy sets the pace at Bay Hill

Rory McIlroy scorched into the clubhouse lead with a brilliant seven-under 65 in the opening round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Thursday.

FULL LEADERBOARD

The Co Down man has finished tied 11th or better in six of his seven previous appearances at the tournament and he looks in the form to enjoy another good weekend in Orlando.

McIlroy had just one bogey - on the par-four 11th - but that was soon offset by back-to-back birdies on his next two holes and then an eagle on 16.

Three behind him in a tie for second is Graeme McDowell, who also enjoyed a fine day at the office.

McDowell had six birdies and two bogeys in his four-under 68, which was matched by Sungjae Im, Will Zalatoris and Adam Scott.

Padraig Harrington and Seamus Power are among the later starters at Bay Hill.