Rory McIlroy Shoots Course-Record 61 to Take Three-Shot Lead at Honda Classic

Rory McIlroy produced one of the finest rounds of his career on Monday, shooting a course-record 61 at PGA National's Champion Course to seize a commanding three-shot lead after the first round of the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

The four-time major champion was flawless throughout his 11-under-par effort, making 11 birdies without a single bogey to break the course record that had stood since 1993. McIlroy's round was highlighted by a stretch of six consecutive birdies on holes 4-9 that sent the gallery into a frenzy and established early control of the tournament.

"Everything just clicked today," McIlroy said after signing his scorecard. "My putting was exceptional, I was hitting it close to the pins, and when I wasn't, I was making some longer putts. To shoot 61 anywhere on Tour is special, but to do it here at PGA National, which is known as one of the tougher courses we play, makes it even more satisfying."

The Bear Trap holes 15-17, traditionally among the most challenging on the PGA Tour, proved no obstacle for McIlroy as he birdied all three to cap his historic round. His approach shot to 17 feet on the par-3 15th set up one of his most crucial putts, while his eagle attempt from 25 feet on the par-5 18th barely missed, settling for his 11th birdie of the day.

Viktor Hovland and Tommy Fleetwood sit tied for second at 8-under par, both posting bogey-free rounds of their own but unable to match McIlroy's exceptional ball-striking and putting combination. The Norwegian Hovland made eight birdies in his 64, while England's Fleetwood was equally impressive with seven birdies and an eagle.

McIlroy's record-breaking performance puts him in prime position to claim his first PGA Tour victory since 2021 and his first Honda Classic title. The 34-year-old's resurgent play this season suggests he may finally be ready to end his major championship drought that dates back to 2014. With three rounds remaining and the notoriously difficult Champion Course still to navigate, McIlroy's course-record 61 provides the perfect foundation for what could be a breakthrough week in his quest to return to golf's summit.