Rory McIlroy well placed after opening round in Canada

Rory McIlroy shot an opening round of 66 RBC Canadian Open to currently leave him three shots behind co-leaders Sam Burns and Sean O'Hair.

The bogey-free four-under-par round began with nine straight pars. A first birdie of the day for McIlroy, seeking his third victory in the event, arrived on the first, his 10th hole of the round. Further birdies arrived on the fifth, seventh and eighth holes, a satisfactory outcome for the Hollywood player after only playing a pre-tournament nine-hole pro-am.

LEADERBOARD

Reflecting on his round, McIlroy said: "I played the back nine blind. Hadn't seen the back nine. Only played the front nine in the pro-am. I was sort of happy enough to get out of there in even par and not make a bogey.

"But once I got that nine holes out of the way, I knew there were some chances on that front side and played probably much better on that front side. Four birdies there, no bogeys, was a good day's work."

American duo Burns and O'Hair both posted 63 to stand at seven-under par.

Séamus Power started with a two-over-par 72 in a round where he birdied the fourth.

Shane Lowry is currently two over as he nears the end of his round.