New driver, same old McIlroy as Rory starts well at Torrey Pines

Jan 23, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; Rory McIlroy plays his shot from the 12th tee during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course - North Course. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

SAN DIEGO (Reuters) - Rory McIlroy has contended in his first appearance every year dating back to 2014, and he seems primed for another strong performance based on the evidence of his first round at the Farmers Insurance Open on Thursday.

Using a new driver that he put into play overnight after hitting some poor shots during Wednesday's pro-am, McIlroy smoked his first drive down the fairway and did not miss a beat in shooting a five-under-par 67 on the North Course at Torrey Pines.