Rory McIlroy names the ‘most difficult’ part of Bay Hill after round one of the Arnold Palmer Invitational

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Rory McIlroy is off to a solid start at the Arnold Palmer Invitational after carding a two-under-par 70 at Bay Hill.

The highlight of his round came at the par-five sixth where, in typical McIlroy fashion, the Northern Irishman played a stunning long iron from 270 yards to just six feet. Unfortunately, McIlroy missed the eagle putt.

McIlroy boasts an excellent record at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and will be looking to position himself well heading into the weekend rounds.

Bay Hill, along with Torrey Pines, is one of the most demanding courses on the PGA Tour, and McIlroy picked out one aspect which made the first round so tough.

Rory McIlroy discusses the difficulty of Bay Hill

Speaking during his post-round press conference, McIlroy claimed the crosswind caused him issues on Thursday.

“I think just crosswinds,” McIlroy said when asked about the most challenging part of the course.

“The fairways are quite narrow, and when you miss them, you’re in that thick rough, and it just, you lose all control of your golf ball from there, and you’re just hoping for a good lie to get it up somewhere near the green. I think the crosswinds were the most difficult part today.”

• READ MORE: What Rory McIlroy scored on the back nine at Bay Hill in his Arnold Palmer Invitational practice round

Scottie Scheffler one shot back of Rory McIlroy

World number one Scheffler is also off to a solid start. The two-time Masters champ is one-under alongside Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay and Collin Morikawa. One of the American stars making a charge feels likely.

After his round, Scheffler claimed the firm greens were tricky and also noted the thick rough. Currently, Bay Hill is rewarding those who find fairways and greens, something that is much easier said than done.

Wyndham Clark leads the way on five-under and is two shots clear of USA Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley. Clark finished second at Bay Hill 12 months ago before falling just short at The Players Championship.

Clark will be looking to maintain his current performance level over the next 54 holes. The Denver-born star started fast at the WM Phoenix Open before falling out of contention.