WATCH: Rory McIlroy elicits first “Go Birds” of the Truist Championship after 320-yard bomb

Masters champion Rory McIlroy had a solid start to the Truist Championship in Philadelphia, posting a 4-under 66, placing him five strokes behind leader Keith Mitchell after Round 1. His dominant driving off the tee was on display, and the rowdy Philly crowd was loving it.

Rory McIlroy smoked his tee shot on hole 4 and was greeted with a hearty “Go Birds” from a spectator:

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That 320-yard drive was actually one of Rory McIlroy’s shortest of the day, which shows how he’s approaching the shorter course off the tee. He offered a candid summary of his strategy ahead of the Truist Championship at Philadelphia Cricket Club.

“The strategy is just hit driver everywhere and then figure it out from there,” he said on Wednesday.

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The par-70 layout, stretching 7,119 yards, played into Rory McIlroy’s strengths off the tee. He hit a wedge into every par 4 except the 18th, where he used a 7-iron—underscoring how effectively he shortened the course.

McIlroy led the field in driving distance, averaging over 340 yards. Nine of his tee shots traveled beyond 330 yards, showcasing both his power and confidence in his aggressive approach.

His strategy may have been simple, but it proved effective in setting a strong tone for the week.

HOLE	TEE SHOT DISTANCE (yards)	APP. DISTANCE (yards)	RESULT
1	333	47	Par
2	373	24	Birdie
3	(Par 3)		Par
4	320	107	Par
5*	348	197	Birdie
6	358	91	Birdie
7	327	98	Par
8	(Par 3)		Par
9	339	106	Par
10	334	115	Birdie
11	353	137	Bogey
12	301	125	Par
13	286	133	Par
14	(Par 3)		Birdie
15*	316	247	Bogey
16	(Par 3)		Par
17	353	132	Par
18	342	186	Par

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