Rory McIlroy insists his conscience is clear after his exceptional opening round of 65 at the Players Championship was overshadowed by a disagreement with Jordan Spieth over the placement of his ball…having yanked a drive into the water

Rory McIlroy insisted his conscience was clear after his exceptional start to the Players Championship was interrupted by a protracted rules dispute with Jordan Spieth.

The world No. 2, so rusty in recent weeks, came substantially closer to his best in a first-round 65 that gave him an early share of the lead in the Sawgrass clubhouse.

However, his 10 birdies were overshadowed by controversy on the seventh hole, the 16th of the day, when he hit a drive left into the water. What followed was an eight-minute delay as McIlroy appeared to be debating with Spieth, his playing partner, over the correct spot for his shot.

Citing eyewitness claims, Spieth could be heard arguing that the ball had crossed the red hazard marker without bouncing, which would have sent McIlroy 250 yards back down the field to a spot in front of the tee box for his third. Shooting.

Microphones on the field caught Spieth saying, “Everyone I heard that saw it said they’re 100 percent sure it landed below the red line.” It’s what you think.’

McIlroy’s playing partner in Thursday’s first round was American Jordan Spieth (left)

The Northern Irishman hit a drive into the water on the seventh hole, causing a lengthy delay.

That was quickly questioned by McIlroy’s caddy, Harry Diamond: “Who is everyone, Jordan?” What are you talking about?’

With McIlroy convinced that his ball had bounced before crossing the line, thus allowing a drop in range of the green, the rules officials allowed him to continue and he eventually carded a double bogey six. Television footage was inconclusive in showing where he threw the ball.

Having closed with a birdie for a seven-under finish, McIlroy said: “I think Jordan was just trying to make sure he was doing the right thing.” He was pretty sure my ball had crossed where he was dropping it.

‘If anything, I was being conservative with that. At the end of the day, we are all trying to protect ourselves and also protect the field. I wouldn’t say it was unnecessary. He (Spieth) was just trying to make sure what happened was the right thing.

“I feel like I’m one of the most conscientious golfers out there, so if I feel like I’ve done something wrong, that will play on my conscience for the rest of the tournament.” I am a big believer in karma. If you do something wrong, I feel like it will bite you at some point. I’m not trying to do anything bad out there.’

It was a peculiar saga on an otherwise impressive day for McIlroy, whose only problems were pitches in the water on the 18th and seventh. Having spoken of his need to “wake up” after finishing 21st last week at Bay Hill, he said: “It’s probably been one of my best days in a long time, which is really nice.”

Xander Schauffele (pictured) shares the lead, with Ryder Cup phenom Ludvig Aberg two behind

‘I didn’t have a lot of expectations going out there. There’s something to be said for that, just lowering the expectations a little bit and going out there and seeing what happens. It was a great start.’

McIlroy was partly joined in the early lead by Xander Schauffele, with 24-year-old Ryder Cup phenom Ludvig Aberg two behind. Tommy Fleetwood reached five under par after starting on the 10th, but could only close with a 70 after a triple bogey seven on the seventh.