Players struggled in windy conditions at PGA National Golf Club, including world No. 3 Rory McIlroy, who won there in 2012. McIlroy shot a two-over par 72 and is tied for 65th after round one of the Honda Classic.
"I feel if you're in control of your golf game, it's one of these courses that you can play well at and you can give yourself plenty of opportunities, and it's not like you need to go crazy low here to be in contention," said McIlroy, who missed the cut at this tournament last year. "But it's a tough golf course, and with some of the tough conditions we can get here, it is one of the more challenging venues that we play every year."
Sergio Garcia and Michael Thompson are tied for the lead shooting a five-under 65s. They lead Rickie Fowler and William McGirt by a stroke.
Phil Mickelson, seeking his first victory at this event, shot a one-under 69 and is tied for 14th, just four shots off the lead.
World No. 9 Patrick Reed and Open Championship winner Zach Johnson struggled, shooting a four-over 74 and a five-over 75, respectively. Reed is nine shots off the lead and tied for 96th, while Johnson is 10 shots off and tied for 106th.
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