Rory McIlroy endured a frustrating start to the RBC Canadian Open, carding a one-over 71 that left him six shots adrift of early leader Taylor Pendrith at TPC Toronto.
The world number two and reigning Masters champion struggled in his first competitive round since a disappointing showing at the PGA Championship over two weeks ago.
Whilst Canadian Pendrith set the pace with an impressive 65, McIlroy's round unravelled with consecutive bogeys at his final two holes.
The Northern Irishman finished provisionally tied for 51st place, facing an uphill battle to claim his 30th PGA Tour victory.
Rory McIlroy has struggled yet again in his first appearance since the PGA Championship
Reuters
Starting from the 10th tee, McIlroy dropped shots at the 12th and 17th holes after missing both greens.
He recovered with three consecutive birdies around the turn, two-putting the par-five 18th and first holes before sinking an 11-foot putt at the second.
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His momentum stalled when he chipped poorly from thick rough beside the eighth green, moving the ball just five feet and making bogey.
The final blow came at the ninth when his tee shot plugged in a fairway bunker.
After splashing out to the fairway, he couldn't get up and down from 164 yards, recording another bogey to finish at one-over.
Despite the disappointing scorecard, McIlroy remained upbeat about his performance. "I actually felt like I played okay," he said.
The Holywood golfer was particularly encouraged by his debut with a new driver.
He said: "It was my first outing with a new driver, and I felt like that went pretty well. I hit some drives that I liked and that I liked to see, so that was encouraging.
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Rory McIlroy was surprisingly upbeat despite his Canadian Open woes
Reuters
"Obviously need to go a little bit lower tomorrow and over the weekend to have a chance.
"Overall I'm still trying to work on some things but I'm okay with where everything is."
McIlroy's return to competition came after finishing 47th at the PGA Championship, where he ended 14 shots behind winner Scottie Scheffler.
The rustiness was evident after more than a fortnight away from tournament golf.
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McIlroy will need to find his form quickly over the remaining rounds in Toronto.
Early clubhouse leaders alongside Pendrith included Rico Hoey, Sam Burns, Nick Taylor and Thomas Detry, all at four-under par.
Half the field was still to complete their opening rounds when McIlroy finished his disappointing day.
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