Rory McIlroy three shots off the pace at Wells Fargo, Shane Lowry struggles

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, waves after making a putt on the 17th hole during the first round of the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow on Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina (Erik Verduzco/AP)

Rory McIlroy is three shots behind leader Xander Schauffele in second place after the first round of the Wells Fargo in Charlotte.

McIlroy had a strong start to the tournament with an eagle, three birdies and one bogey through the first nine holes, but slipped with three birdies and three bogeys on the back nine.