McIlroy posts 63 at TPC River Highlands despite cold putter

The world No. 1 proved on Thursday why he holds that distinction.

Rory McIlroy posted a blistering 7-under 63 during Round 1 of the Travelers Championship, doing so without the help of his putter.

The Northern Irishman turned in a flawless round tee-to-green to lead the field in both strokes gained: off the tee and strokes gained: approach.

However, McIlroy had 13 putts from inside 20 feet for birdie or eagle and made only six of them. His 0.07 strokes gained: putting is the fewest during a round of 63 or better in the last nine years at TPC River Highlands, according to the 15th Club's Justin Ray.

Additionally, the average distance of putts made in a round of 63 or lower on the PGA Tour during the last two seasons is nearly 109 feet. McIlroy's combined total on Thursday was just under 66 feet, according to Ray.

Here's how McIlroy has finished the previous six times he opened an event with a 63:

First-round scoring hasn't been McIlroy's issue this season, nor have his averages for Days 2 and 3. The 30-year-old sits third in scoring average for the first three rounds but ranks 123rd in final-round scoring for 2020.

It appears McIlroy will be in a position to change that trend this Sunday with the Travelers Championship title on the line.