Rory McIlroy four shots adrift after his opening round at the Canadian Open

Defending champion Rory McIlroy carded a one-under-par 71 as he began his defence of the RBC Canadian Open, a score that currently leaves him four shots adrift of the clubhouse leaders.

Ahead of the tournament in Toronto, McIlroy's press conference was of even greater interest in the wake of the PGA Tour/LIV Golf partnership, with the world No 3 admitting that he was "surprised" and had "mixed emotions" after learning of the shock declaration of peace in golf's civil war.

He added, however, that the partnership will "ultimately be good for professional golf."

Out on the course, McIlroy, who won this event in 2019, started on the tenth and had a birdie on that hole. However, it was an up and down round overall.

He dropped a shot on the 12th, before birdies followed on 16 and 18. On the homeward nine, three shots were dropped but a birdie on the fifth and then at the par-three ninth saw him home under par.

Leading the way on five-under are England's Aaron Rai, Justin Lower from the USA, and local player Corey Conners.

Shane Lowry is currently out on the course, with David Carey getting under way at 7.16pm [Irish time].

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