Rory McIlroy Ties for First-Round Lead at BMW Championship

Rory McIlroy achieved a 6-under-par 64 during the first round of the BMW Championship on Thursday at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, tying for the lead with four other golfers.

McIlroy, who had faced challenges in the previous week, made birdies on four of his last six holes. He was joined at the top by Gary Woodland, Wyndham Clark, J.J. Spaun, and Chris Gotterup. Ryo Hisatsune and Matt Fitzpatrick followed closely, one stroke behind at 5-under 65.

Woodland, starting the week at No. 31 in the standings, made four birdies on the front nine and had an eagle at the par-4 11th but ended with a bogey on the 18th. Clark also had a strong performance with five birdies in his last six holes. In contrast, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler opened with a 2-over 72, placing him tied for 44th.