Rory McIlroy began the Tour Championship needing to make up six strokes on the world No. 1. That hill became a mountain after one hole on Thursday.
McIlroy hit his opening tee shot out of bounds on the par-4 first at East Lake Golf Club. He eventually made a triple bogey. The 2019 FedExCup champion began the staggered-scoring event at 4 under par and immediately dropped to minus-1, nine back of leader Scottie Scheffler.
PGA Tour
In addition to his deficit, McIlroy did not have much in his favor as he teed off on Day 1.