The Northern Irishman had not played since securing a second successive green jacket almost a month ago, opting to get back into the swing at Quail Hollow before heading to the US PGA on Monday for the year’s second major.

Following a rain delay McIlroy, who teed off on the 10th, admitted it had been something of a low-key opening round where chances to pick up shots proved at a premium before one finally dropped on the par-four ninth.

“I knew that I made so many pars, but I was thinking I can’t remember the last time I played a round of golf and didn’t have a birdie – I was like ‘just try to make one’,” said McIlroy, who signed for a 70.

“I felt like I didn’t make birdie at seven, didn’t make birdie at eight, so then I thought my chance had passed me by, but nice to see one putt go in there at the last.”

McIlroy, though, remains positive as he looks to make an impact through the weekend.

“I wasn’t frustrated, I was hitting good putts, some days they just don’t want to go in,” he said.

“I just needed to figure out the reads a little bit better, but sort of felt like I got into it by the end of the round.”

Matt McCarty is the clubhouse leader after his fine eight-under 63, one ahead of Sungjae Kim, who had one hole remaining when play was suspended.

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Sepp Straka was also left with one hole to finish and was in a group on five under which included England’s Harry Hall.

Tommy Fleetwood and Alex Fitzpatrick are also in the mix at four under – although Matt Fitzpatrick had an opening round to forget as he slumped to a three-over 74.

“I felt like I played well. I played really solid, putted very well. Felt like I holed two or three really key putts,” Fleetwood said.

“It is not an easy golf course. It is an amazing challenge and I think if you shoot under par around here it is always a good day.”