Rory McIlroy played in swirling winds during the first round of the Honda Classic, and failed to find any momentum.
McIlroy, the world's top-ranked golfer, had to birdie his last two holes to shoot a 3-over 73 at the PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
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McIlroy entered the week refreshed and excited to get back out on the course, but a double bogey on the first hole likely changed his mood.
The wind picked up in the afternoon, forcing players with later tee times to fight for position. Four golfers that teed off late shot under par.
Patrick Reed was the best of them with a 3-under 67. Last year's Players' Championship and U.S. Open champ Martin Kaymer shot a 2-under 68.
Everyone in the field is chasing Jim Herman, who was 5-under 65. Herman entered the week 117th in the FedEx Cup standings. Brendan Steele was in second, one shot back.
This week's field includes the most golfers in the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking of any tournament played so far this season, but wind proved to be the great equalizer.
Play resumes Friday, and McIlroy is in a threesome with Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson with a 7:45 a.m. ET tee time.