Golfer Mitchell posting stunning 61 for narrow advantage at Truist Championship; McIlroy displaying signs of rust with 66 score
From the Greenhouse to the Limelight: Keith Mitchell's Record-Breaking Truist Championship Round
Keith Mitchell Splashes onto the Golf Scene with a Blazing 61
FLYING HIGH OVER FLOURTOWN, Pa. - In a spectacular display of skill and precision, Keith Mitchell, the enigmatic golfer from the heartland, etched his name into the history books on May 9, 2025, with an electrifying, career-best 9-under 61 at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. This scorching round annihilated the coveted course record previously shared by Colin St Maxen, Zac Blair, and Angus Flanagan.
The infamous Wissahickon Course, a 7,100-yard A.W. Tillinghast design characterized by modest par 4s and reachable pin placements, had no chance against Mitchell's long drives and bold approach shots with short irons and wedges. The lazy course record of 65 was reduced to rubble as the long hitters and audacious shots dominated the green.
Mitchell, a seemingly unassuming 33-year-old, valiantly battled through a series of pars on the back nine before igniting a birdie spree. Beginning with the stout 17th and 18th holes, Mitchell's run continued with birdies on two of the first three holes on his back nine before a breathtaking four-birdie streak for a 6-under 29 on the inward nine.
A Hidden Advantage and a Studied Approach
With his name now synonymous with golfing greatness, Mitchell humbly disclosed a secret advantage - a well-connected friend who is a member of the Philadelphia Cricket Club, whispering strategy ahead of his arrival. However, Mitchell attributed the work he and his caddie performed early in the week, studying the greens in meticulous detail, for setting the stage for his unparalleled success.
"I plotted my way around Monday and Wednesday, determining what to hit and where to kind of try to put the ball on the green," said Mitchell, who has one career win, six top-25 finishes, and a single missed cut to his name. "If you get above the hole, you can have a really fast putt and have a ton of breaks."
The Chasing Pack
Hot on Mitchell's tail is Denny McCarthy, the 32-year-old golfer who has tantalizingly lost twice in playoffs and remains winless on tour. McCarthy's opening round was aided by a fast start, including five consecutive birdies at Nos. 11-15. He opened his inward nine with back-to-back birdies and added two more for a respectable, yet unsurprising start.
"I've been playing really well lately, so it doesn't really surprise me," he said with a shrug. "There's still a lot of golf left. This is a nice start. I'm excited for how my game has been trending lately."
Rory McIlroy: Still a Force to Be Reckoned With
One name that consistently resounds throughout the world of golf is that of Rory McIlroy, the defending champion and four-time winner of the event. McIlroy, 33, stayed aggressive with his game plan, attempting to overpower the layout with driver off the tee. Despite two minor stumbles - a three-putt at the par-4 11th and a bogey at the 570-yard, par-5 15th - McIlroy remained unfazed.
"I think it worked out fine," McIlroy said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I drove the ball pretty well. I missed it in a couple of spots, but was able to get away with it."
McIlroy admitted his game is not currently in top form. After celebrating his Masters victory and a 12th-place finish in New Orleans, where he and fellow Irishman Shane Lowry were defending champions, McIlroy has taken a well-deserved break.
"I felt a bit rusty out there," McIlroy confessed. "I hadn't played in a week, and I hadn't really done much practice, especially around the greens. I certainly have room for improvement, but overall, it was a decent day."
A Hero's Return: Alex Noren's Triumphant Comeback
After a prolonged absence due to neck and leg injuries [1][2], the 42-year-old Swede, Alex Noren, made his return to the tour. Noren opened with a 67 and looked forward to refining his game to compete with the best.
"It's strange not to play for so long," he mused. "I've missed the adrenaline and the excitement. I'm excited to get sharper and to really start making some noise."
[1] https://www.sj.se/idrott/golf/noren-tackar-pa-tour-comeback~a56d7bee/
[2] https://www.golfdigest.com/news/blogs/departments/2021/08/how-to-come-back-from-a-golf-injury.html
AP Golf coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
- The news of Keith Mitchell's record-breaking 61 at the Truist Championship in Toronto, played on the Tillinghast-designed course, rippled through the sports world, especially the golf community.
- Rory McIlroy, a four-time winner of the event, made a notable appearance in Toronto, despite admittedly being rusty due to a recent break from the game following his 12th-place finish at the Masters and defending championship in New Orleans.
- After a prolonged absence due to injuries, Alex Noren, a 42-year-old Swede, returned to the tour in Toronto, carding a 67 in his comeback round, eager to regain his form and rejoin the competition among the golfing elite.
- Hailing from Toronto, golf enthusiasts were captivated by the performance of Denny McCarthy, who trailed behind Mitchell early in the tournament, having a solid start with a respectable score, setting the stage for an exciting finish in the city's major golf event.
