Rory McIlroy Surges Into BMW Championship Lead as Ailing Scottie Scheffler Fades

Rory McIlroy made a remarkable turnaround at the BMW Championship, firing a bogey-free 6-under 64 at Bellerive Country Club on Thursday to join a five-way share of the lead.

McIlroy returned to competition after a four-week break following the British Open and had endured a difficult comeback at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, where he failed to break par in any of his four rounds. It was his first such stretch in more than five years.

The four-time major champion went back to Florida after that disappointment and worked with swing coach Michael Bannon, hoping to rediscover his rhythm. His opening round in St Louis suggested that effort is beginning to pay off.

“I went home and I worked on a few things,” McIlroy said, while acknowledging that his game remains a work in progress. “Days like this are encouraging.”

McIlroy shared the lead with fellow US Open champions Gary Woodland, Wyndham Clark and J.J. Spaun, as well as Chris Gotterup. Another US Open winner, Matt Fitzpatrick, was among those one shot behind.

The tournament took a contrasting turn for world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who appeared to be battling illness. Just four days after winning the FedEx Cup playoff opener by eight shots, Scheffler struggled to a 2-over 72, his highest opening round since the US Open in June.

Scheffler's voice was hoarse and he declined to speak at length, saying only that he was sick before leaving for the locker room.

Woodland, meanwhile, delivered an emotional performance during his continued recovery from brain surgery. The 2019 US Open champion holed out for eagle from 99 yards on the 11th and sits 31st in the FedEx Cup standings, fighting for one of the final spots in next week's Tour Championship.

With the top 30 advancing, the BMW Championship promises a tense battle as the tournament unfolds.