McIlroy had seven birdies in Thursday's opening round even though he hit only four of 14 fairways on the Stadium Course.

Rory McIlroy has been known to take some sharp U-turns on his opinions over the last few years, particularly as it relates to the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. He was willing to state another position Wednesday as strong as any. He is not playing the PGA Tour Champions when he turns 50.

Rory McIlroy made his feelings clear about the option of playing on the Champions Tour, and many of his colleagues did not like his approach.