• Keith Mitchell shot a 9-under 61, breaking the course record at Philadelphia Cricket Club and taking the lead at the Truist Championship.
• Denny McCarthy is in second place, one stroke behind Mitchell, following a strong start with five consecutive birdies.
• Rory McIlroy, making his first start since the Masters, shot a 66 and is five strokes off the lead, citing rustiness but remaining optimistic.

Keith Mitchell carded a career-best 61 at the Philadelphia Cricket Club's Wissahickon Course, setting a new course record and taking the lead at the Truist Championship. The course, known for its modest par 4s and accessible pin placements, proved vulnerable to aggressive play. Denny McCarthy sits one stroke back. Rory McIlroy, fresh off his Masters win, is five strokes behind after a round of 66.

• What: Keith Mitchell shot a course-record 61 to lead the Truist Championship after the first round. Denny McCarthy is in second place. Rory McIlroy is five strokes back. Alex Noren returned from injury.
• Who: Keith Mitchell, Denny McCarthy, Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, Rickie Fowler, Sepp Straka, Akshay Bhatia, Alex Noren.
• When: May 8, 2025 (first round of the Truist Championship)
• Where: Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course), Flourtown, PA.

Keith Mitchell's record-breaking round highlights his strong form and ability to capitalize on the course's vulnerabilities. Denny McCarthy's performance indicates a golfer on the rise, eager to secure his first tour win. Rory McIlroy's return, while not flawless, shows promise, and he has room to improve as the tournament progresses. Alex Noren's comeback from injury adds an emotional element to the event.

"I just plotted my way around Monday and Wednesday to figure out what to hit and where to kind of try to put the ball on the green. If you get above the hole really pin high on the wrong side, you can have a really fast putt and have a ton of breaks."

"I've been playing really well lately, so it doesn't really surprise me. There's still a lot of golf left. This is a really nice start. I'm excited for how my game has been trending lately."

"I think it worked out fine. I drove the ball pretty well. I missed it in a couple of spots, but was sort of able to get away with it."

"I felt like I was a little rusty out there, just hadn't played in a week and I hadn't really done a ton of practice, especially like on and around the greens. I certainly can tidy a few things up, but overall a decent day."

"It's weird not to play for so long. I've been looking forward to get some nervousness and some adrenaline flowing and just be a little sharper. You go around practicing your short game for a while. It's not so inspiring in the end when you don't really know when you can come back. Finally, the last two weeks, it felt good for two weeks in a row. The hamstring is holding up."

Keith Mitchell's impressive course record has ignited anticipation for the Truist Championship, but he only holds a one-stroke lead over Denny McCarthy. With formidable players like Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa, Sepp Straka, and Akshay Bhatia close behind, the competition is fierce. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, fresh off his Masters win and seeking a record fifth Truist Championship title, is in striking distance after his opening round. The return of Alex Noren adds another layer of intrigue, as he aims to make an impact after recovering from injury. The Philadelphia Cricket Club, serving as a temporary host, has proven to be a course where players can score, setting the stage for a compelling battle. With the weather potentially impacting play, the tournament promises dramatic shifts and intense competition as players vie for the top spot.