McIlroy Trails Five Behind Leaders in Houston Open

Rory McIlroy had a challenging start at the Houston Open, finishing with a level par 70 and sitting five strokes off the lead, which he described as 'a little pedestrian.' Despite a strong performance two weeks ago at The Players Championship, McIlroy struggled with his putter and iron play, particularly during the first nine holes. Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, managed a bogey-free 67 but still found himself two shots behind the leaders, who include Keith Mitchell, Ryan Gerard, Alejandro Tosti, and Taylor Pendrith all tied at 5-under 65. Both McIlroy and Scheffler faced tough conditions with rain and wind affecting their performance. McIlroy emphasized his focus on improving his game rather than looking ahead to the Masters, highlighting the importance of gaining confidence through better rounds. The tournament continues to unfold as players adapt to the challenging weather and competition.