Rory McIlroy explains the reason why he played better on the front nine than the back at the Canadian Open

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Rory McIlroy has revealed the reason why he played better on the front nine of Hamilton Golf and Country Club on day one of the RBC Canadian Open.

Starting on the 10th, the Northern Irishman carded nine straight pars before registering four birdies on the front nine to card a bogey-free four-under 66.

McIlroy sits four shots adrift of Englishman David Skinns, who shot a brilliant eight-under 62, which included three birdies in a row on his final nine.

Four-time major winner McIlroy will be delighted with his start in Hamilton despite taking a while to get up to speed.

Rory McIlroy shares why he started slow on Thursday at the Canadian Open

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Speaking to the media immediately after his round, the 35-year-old revealed that he had never seen the back nine holes, having only played the front nine in the pro-am on Wednesday.

McIlroy explained: “So I played the back nine blind, hadn’t seen the back nine. I only played the front nine in the pro ams, so I was sort of happy to get out there even par and not make a bogey.”

After heading out in 35, the Northern Irishman admitted that he knew there would be chances to make birdies as he headed for home.

He added: “Once I got those nine holes out of the way, I knew there were chances on that front side and played much better on that front side. Four birdies and no bogeys was a good day’s work.”

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McIlroy is well-placed heading into his second round and will fancy his chances of getting into contention for the weekend.

And after seeing the back nine for the first time, he will potentially be slightly more aggressive on day two at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.

The Canadian Open has been set up in a similar style to the U.S. Open, which will benefit those who are heading to Pinehurst No.2 for the year’s third major championship.

McIlroy has claimed he’s refreshed and ready for what is a busy part of the season, and after watching his first round on Thursday, it’s hard to disagree with the Northern Irishman’s assessment.