Rory McIlroy well placed after competitive opening round in Florida

Hideki Matsuyama, David Hearn, Charley Hoffman and Kevin Na all shot a first-round 67 to take a share of the lead on day one of the Players Championship in Florida.

The quartet finished Thursday's session on five-under-par, one stroke clear of Troy Merritt, Ben Martin, Billy Horschel, Brendon Todd, Charles Howell III and Derek Fathauer in a six-way tie for second.

Four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy, who warmed up for this competition with a Match Play success last weekend, is one of 14 players one stroke further back on three-under.

Jason Day, Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer, Webb Simpson and Rickie Fowler are also two shots adrift in third.