U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy shot an 8-under 64 on Thursday to take a one-stroke lead in the Shanghai Masters, the lucrative invitational tournament that isnt sanctioned by any of the major tours.
The 22-year-old star from Northern Ireland had eight birdies – five on the back nine – in his bogey-free round on Lake Malarens Jack Nicklaus-designed Masters course.
The 30 players are vying for the $2 million first prize, the richest in golf.
American Hunter Mahan was second. He had seven birdies, including three in a row on the back nine, then settled for a par in the 18th hole when his birdie try glanced off the lip of the cup.
Englands Paul Casey and Ian Poulter and Irelands Padraig Harrington opened with 67s, and American Anthony Kim was another stroke back along with Chinas Li Chao.
John Daly was in the group at 69 along with Lee Westwood, Retief Goosen, Y.E. Yang and Robert Karlsson.
Masters champion Charl Schwartzel had a 70, and PGA winner Keegan Bradley had a 72.
Because the International Management Group-run event isnt sanctioned by a major tour, it doesnt have world-ranking points. The World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions is next week in Shanghai.
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