Valspar Championship Rory McIlroy starts slowly as Tiger Woods shoots 70 in Florida

Rory McIlroy dropped three shots in his closing eight holes to card a scrappy opening round of 74 at the Valspar Championship in Florida.

The Northern Irishman started with 10 pars but a missed a putt from five feet for double bogey on his 14th hole.

McIlroy carded three over, seven shots behind Canadian leader Corey Conners.

Scotland's Russell Knox is well placed on two under, while Tiger Woods' superb tee shot on the par-three 17th gave him birdie as he finished one under par.

Woods struck the flag from 146 yards on his seventh hole but could not convert his birdie putt and eventually made the turn at level par.

An 11ft putt for birdie on the 10th, followed by a smart four on the par-five 11th took him to within two shots of the lead.

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