McIlroy shot an opening 4-under 66 that featured six birdies and long drives. "I certainly can tidy a few things up," he said, "but overall a decent day.”

The Masters champion opened with a 66 at the Philadelphia Cricket Club as Keith Mitchell set the pace with a course record 61.

Nothing can handle the longest of hitters, and Rory McIlroy understands that, which is why he will hit a lot of drivers this week in Philadelphia.