Red-hot McIlroy backed to assume Ryder leadership role

Rory McIlroy is in a four-way tie at the top of the leaderboard at the BMW Championship at Crooked Stick after shooting an opening round of 64 last night.

The Holywood golfer was in imperious form, shooting four birdies on the front nine, three more on the back nine as well as an eagle at the 15th. The only blot on his copybook was a bogey at the 13th but he heads into today’s second round in great shape, tied alongside Webb Simpson, Bo Van Pelt and Graham DeLaet at the top. Tiger Woods is just one shot back on seven under.

Meanwhile, European Ryder Cup captains past and present are expecting McIlroy to take more of a leading role in this month’s Ryder Cup.