• Northern Irishman round in 67 after clash with spectator
• Glover, Spaun and Villegas lead the way at Sawgrass

Rory McIlroy opted to let his golf clubs do the talking. A wondrous approach to the 18th, setting up a birdie for an opening round of 67, emphasised the Northern Irishman’s ability to create his own storyline.

Social media descended into typical frenzy in the buildup to this Players Championship after McIlroy was heckled by an aspiring golfer during a practice round at Sawgrass. Video footage showed McIlroy removing the intemperate spectator’s mobile phone beside the 17th tee before the individual in question was ejected by security.