Morikawa off to flyer as players feel the heat

“Rory was 11 back last year, whatever, 8 back after so many holes. Like, it's doable,” Colin Morikawa said.

Rory McIlroy lets go of his club after playing his approach shot on the par-4 fourth hole during the first round of the Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta. Picture: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Rory McIlroy’s opening statement before the Players Championship certainly proved an inspiration to at least one player situated on the low end of the handicapped opening leaderboard at East Lake Golf Club – Collin Morikawa.

“If I can come back from 11 shots, I feel like everyone in this field should feel like they have a chance to win,” McIlroy said on the eve of the FedEx Cup finale regarding his comeback triumph a year ago.