Rory McIlroy stormed back after a stuttering start in the DS Automobiles Italian Open, with an opening round 67 enough to give him a share of the early clubhouse lead at the venue which will host next year's Ryder Cup.
Beginning on the back nine at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, McIlroy initially looked to be in a spot of bother; a bogey on the 17th resulted in him throwing his ball away in disgust before an 18 foot putt saved par at 18.
Par was again saved on the first with a seven foot putt, but then the four-time major winner turned the tide in his favour and burst into life down the stretch.
