Rory McIlroy cracks joke about being Masters champ after steady start to PGA Tour team event

Rory McIlroy admitted winning The Players Championship felt like a distant memory after he made a steady start to the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with Shane Lowry. 

The 35-year-old and his European Ryder Cup teammate triumphed at the PGA Tour's team event 12 months ago. 

They combined for an opening 8-under 64 on day one and sit in a share for 20th.

American duo Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo hit the front by breaking the fourball scoring record with a 14-under 58.

Danish twin brothers Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard also began the event at TPC Louisiana well with a 13-under 59. 

McIlroy was introduced as the Masters champion on the first tee on Thursday afternoon. 

"I was glad they remembered The Players as well," McIlroy said. "It seems like a distant memory at this point. Look, very nice. I could get used to it."

The Irish pair registered one eagle, seven birdies and a bogey during their opening round. 

McIlroy added: "Shane got off to a really good start. I didn't do anything.

"Shane joked I could have got a couple extra hours in bed if I wanted to. I played a bit better coming in. It was okay. 

"We felt like we left a few shots out there, but we were just saying the two foursomes days on Friday and Sunday here are the important days in this tournament, and it's important for us to obviously post a good score tomorrow."