Rory McIlroy soars in the high altitude at WGC-Mexico Championship

Rory McIlroy is used to the lofty heights of the game and the altitude of Mexico City appeared to do him little harm as he showed his power, flair and touch by carding an opening three-under par 68 in the WGC-Mexico Championship.

Needing a win and help from Dustin Johnson to regain the world No 1 ranking, the Irishman’s recent intensive bout of injury- enforced putting practice generally paid off at a tight and tree-lined Chapultepec Golf Club.

While he was struggling with a minor stomach ailment, the Holywood star showed no visible ill effects from the rib injury that kept him out of the game for 44 days as he made.