England's in-form Paul Casey was thrilled to finish the opening round of the WGC-CA Championship only two shots off the lead in windy Miami today - after thinking Robert Allenby must have been playing somewhere else.
Australian Allenby defied the conditions with an eagle and six birdies to stand eight under par after 12 holes, but then bogeyed the last four.
That handed top spot to South African Charl Schwartzel with his five under par 67 - the only bogey-free round of the day - while Casey had four successive birdies late in the day before dropping a shot at the last to be in a tie for fifth spot.
"I thought Robert was playing a different course," said the world number six, who has a chance this week to become Tiger Woods' closest challenger on the rankings for the first time.
"That was very impressive stuff - there are a lot of tough holes here - and I'm very happy with my 69."
Far from satisfied, though, was Rory McIlroy as he handed in a bitterly disappointing 76 and then sentenced himself to some hard labour on the practice range.
McIlroy had only a few of the 68-strong field behind him after no fewer than six bogeys and so many shots into bunkers that he could not remember the final tally.
"I'm just struggling," said the world number nine, out-scored by five by playing partner and defending champion Phil Mickelson.
"I'm not playing well and just can't keep things going. I've been struggling since the weekend in Dubai (now over a month ago)."
12 March, 2010