• Honda Classic

McIlroy pleased with solid start at Honda Classic

Rory McIlroy has his sights set on the Honda Classic title © Getty Images

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Rory McIlroy hopes his first-round 66 at the Honda Classic in Florida is yet another step toward becoming the No. 1 golfer in the world.

The Northern Irishman trails early leader Davis Love III by two strokes after day one, as he and rival Lee Westwood aim to oust current top-ranked golfer Luke Donald. Starting on the back nine, McIlroy made a bright start with birdies at 14, 17, two and seven, while his only dropped shot occured after three-putting from 50 feet.

"I only made one mistake on the eighth green (his 17th) with a three-putt," McIlroy said. "Apart from that I was very happy with how the day went.

"I feel like I've got a few targets in my head and I'm sort of striving to get to those. Obviously with all of the talk of number one it would be great to get to that position at some point.

"I feel like I'm playing good enough to challenge for it at least, but I'm working towards trying to peak my game from April through to August for the four majors and for the big tournaments.

"I want to give myself the best possible chance going into those tournaments. I feel like my work ethic is probably increased a little bit this year as well. It comes down to hard work and just wanting it a little bit more."

England's Justin Rose was another to finish the day four-under the card after he bounced back from a double-bogey on his second hole courtesy of an eagle and a run of three straight birdies to put himself back in contention.

"I guess the key was there were not any emotions to the double. It was one poor swing," Rose said. "I've been losing a couple of tee shots to the right and that's what happened there, but I didn't let it affect me."

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