McIlroy left to laugh as circus act birdie on 18th rounds off opening 66 at East Lake

McIlroy’s 66 leaves him five shy of the first-round lead after Russell Henley’s stunning 61 at the Tour Championship.

FINE START: Rory McIlroy watches his shot on the first fairway during the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

More Rory McIlroy drama in ­Georgia. Events at the final hole of the ­opening round of the Tour Championship barely compared with what played out at Augusta National in April but these were still moments of ­McIlroy box office. No wonder he stood ­laughing with arm aloft.

Sometimes it pays to be lucky and good.@McIlroyRory closes the day with a bang 💥 pic.twitter.com/d9RAihADLI

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 21, 2025