PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Rory McIlroy bombed his drive 60 yards past Jordan Spieth on the 18th hole at TPC Sawgrass. By the end of the first round, the World No. 1 looked miles ahead of the World No. 2 on the leaderboard at The Players Championship. While McIlroy smiled after a 69, Spieth’s thin lips parted in distaste after a 3-over 75.
“Really tough ball-striking day,” Spieth said Thursday. “Just didn’t quite trust it today until I was already too far behind the 8-ball.”
This was a chance to see the new world order on display with No.