Rory McIlroy ready to use patient approach

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Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy insists he will continue to use a patient approach this week after he carded a level-par 71 on the opening day of the Genesis Open on Thursday.

McIlroy failed to get going during the first nine holes as he continues to use a new putter.

He bogeyed the two par-fives but an eagle on the 10th got him back on track at Riviera. He continued to struggle but the 28-year-old battled on to eventually finish in a share of 36th.

American duo Patrick Cantlay and Tony Finau are in the lead on five-under, while Tom Hoge, Dominic Bozzelli and Sam Saunders are all one shot back in a share of third.

Despite missing several chances, McIlroy admits he is happy and ready to stay calm this week in a bid to make the cut.

He told reporters: “I bogeyed the two par fives on the back nine, which usually is my bread and butter. But then I made a nice eagle at the first and played much better on our second nine and I’m in a decent position.

“It’s more of a mental test, because all you can do is start the putt on your intended line, try to hit it with good speed and it is really not up to you after that, it’s sort of up to gravity.

“It is very mental, and I didn’t pass that mental test last week at Pebble Beach, so I’m trying to stay more patient this week.”

Both Cantlay and Final are priced at 10.00 to win but McIlroy remains in contention and can be backed at odds of 21.00.

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