Rory McIlroy taking Tiger Woods’ approach as he makes superb start at Bay Hill

McIlroy, who claimed the title in 2018 and has finished no worse than tied sixth in each of the last four years, fired seven birdies in an opening 66

Rory McIlroy carded a 66 in the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Picture: John Raoux/AP

Rory McIlroy revealed he approaches Bay Hill in a similar way to course specialist Tiger Woods after making a superb start to his bid for a second victory in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

McIlroy, who claimed the title in 2018 and has finished no worse than tied sixth in each of the last four years, fired seven birdies – including five in a row on his back nine – and one bogey in an opening 66 to set the early clubhouse target.