Rory McIlroy does his talking on course in Mexico after Premier League snub

• World No 1 had snubbed breakaway tour proposal
• McIlroy shoots 65 to lead and continue fine start to year

The day after making an emphatic statement off the course, Rory McIlroy did precisely the same when back on it. Evidence of an excellent start to 2020 is provided by a McIlroy scoring average of 68.5 from nine rounds, two of which were 73s.

McIlroy, recently returned as the world No 1, marched to the top of the leaderboard at the WGC Mexico Championship with a 65. Whereas on Wednesday, McIlroy created shockwaves by vehemently dismissing plans for a breakaway tour, Thursday he successfully returned to his natural domain.