McIlroy and Woods in Fine Form Ahead of Ryder Cup Showdown

Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods proved they were in fine form ahead of the Ryder Cup as they put on a masterclass on the opening day of the BMW Championship at Crooked Stick. 

The playing partners produced some spectacular golf on a wet day in Indiana as they secure some 16 birdies and an eagle between them.

However, it was McIlroy that came out on top after shooting an eight-under 64 to put him tied for the lead with US Open champion Webb Simpson, Bo van Pelt and Graham DeLaet, with Woods ending the day one shot back.

McIlroy and Woods share a joke as they fire 16 birdies and one eagle between them [Reuters]

Woods finds himself well positioned in fifth place, alongside Vijay Singh, after a fantastic round of golf which saw him almost make a hole-in-one at the sixth when his tee shot rolled round the edge of the hole.

Despite less than perfect conditions, McIlroy and Woods looked relaxed as they poured in birdies throughout the day.

"It's a lot of fun," said Woods of playing alongside McIlroy. "This is the next generation of guys coming out. He hits it great, putts it great, and on top of that, he's just a really nice kid. The game of golf is in great hands with him, and he's here to stay."

McIlroy also enjoyed the experience, saying:  "I've always enjoyed playing with Tiger, and every time that we're paired up, we seem to have a good time."

The penultimate leg of the FedEx play-off, McIlroy went into the day as the points leader and was pleased with the way he played as he hit seven birdies and an eagle.

"It was great," added McIlroy. "I felt like my iron play was some of the best it's been all year, basically in my whole life.

"I was giving myself a lot of opportunities to attack the pins from the fairways as well. I just have to try and keep doing that for the next three days."

The world number one could soon be in action once again against Woods as the pair both qualified for their respective Ryder Cup teams.