McIlroy and Cantlay Shine at WGC Dell Match Play 2023

Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay Ignite Thrilling Start to 2023 WGC Dell Match Play

Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay, two men with shared U.S. Open pasts, sparked an eventful start to the 2023 WGC Dell Technologies Match Play in North Carolina on Thursday.

McIlroy, who blew away the field to win his first major at the 2011 U.S. Open, fired a brilliant, bogey-free 65 to grab a share of the lead at Pinehurst No. 2. This marked the third time in his career that the Northern Irishman opened a major with a blemish-free round, going on to win each of those previous instances.

Meanwhile, Cantlay, who received low amateur honors at that 2011 U.S. Open won by McIlroy, matched that 65 to also grab a piece of the lead. It’s the first time the perennial PGA Tour contender has held a share of the lead after the opening round of a major championship.

“Adding to the early dramatics, Ludvig Åberg, making his U.S. Open debut, carded an impressive 66 to sit one shot back. The young Swede nearly claimed a Masters title in his first try back in April, and now seeks to become the first player since Francis Ouimet in 1913 to win the U.S. Open in his tournament debut.”

Despite the low scores, Pinehurst has a history of biting back as the week wears on. In 1999 and 2005, the 54-hole leaders posted even-par totals to hoist the trophy. Expect the venerable venue to provide more teeth as the weekend approaches.

Other notables on the leaderboard include the resurgent Bryson DeChambeau, who carded a 67, and defending PGA Championship winner Xander Schauffele, who navigated an even-par 70 despite struggling off the tee.

With the world’s best golfers battling it out at the storied Pinehurst No. 2, golf fans are in for an enthralling WGC Dell Match Play championship.

🔗 Source