Rory McIlroy seven shots off leaders at Phoenix Open

Matthew NeSmith and Mark Hubbard each shot an eight-under 63 to take the early lead.

McIlroy and Englishman Tom Lewis were part of a large pack with a share of 50th place after a one-under-par 70 in the first round.

Xander Schauffele, who is partnering McIlroy in the first two rounds in Phoenix, had a share of sixth following a strong start which saw him birdie the first, second and fourth holes.

Scotland’s Russell Knox was among those tied for 21st with former world number one Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm after shooting a three-under 68.

Around 5,000 people per day will be allowed at TPC Scottsdale, with 2,000 permitted around the famous par-three 16th at any one time.

Those figures are way down on the 16,000 usually creating a raucous atmosphere at the 16th or the overall attendance record of 719,179 in 2019.

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