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You knew that the WCC-Mexico 2019 Championship standings would be good, but I'm not sure to expect it to be as good after just 18 holes Thursday. Rory McIlroy (-8) leads by one on Dustin Johnson (-7) and three on Justin Thomas (-5). It is highly likely that the top three golfers on the planet are 1-2-3 on the Chapultepec board.
First place – Rory McIlroy (-8): After making an eagle on his 10th hole (the first hole of the course) to end up at 6 under and follow him with another birdie at his 11th, it seemed that 59 (or at least the record of the course of 62) would be in Thu . A tie in the last five holes made it possible to avoid that, but it also gave McIlroy a steady one-shot lead over D.J. and, probably more importantly, three shots on the rest of the field.
Unsurprisingly, McIlroy was # 1 in the green t-shirt, but he was also – and maybe more surprisingly – # 3 in the putting. If it's getting closer to these numbers the rest of the week is over. In addition, when it hits corners like this, it could also be a wrap.
McIlroy has already played well here, ranking in the top 10 in 2017, even though he was not necessarily at the top of his game. Now, it looks like he's feeling it, and I'm not sure if anyone – even D.J. – can keep up with it.
Last place – Sanghyun Park (+9): It's a tough day when you're 17 to the leader after just 18 holes. Related: Phil Mickelson shot 79 (!) And is clearly out of gas after playing consecutively at Phoenix-Pebble Beach-Riviera-Mexico. Take time, Lefty!
Other candidates – Dustin Johnson (-7), Justin Thomas (-5), Matt Kuchar (-5): After all the saga with Matt Kuchar and his Mexican cadet, David "El Tucan" Ortiz in Mayakoba last fall, it would be hilarious to win another victory in Mexico this time around? Thomas could also be a robot. It is Herculean to recover from last week's defeat and last week at 4 am with a 66 in the first round. I am here for the shooting D.J.-J.T.-McIlroy!
What did Tiger Woods do? Other than making a double bogey six at the first, one par 4 of 305 yards? Woods climbed out of this hole with beautiful birds early in the game, but managed to clear his way to the finish line with a tie of 71. It is not really inside, but not really outside either. He is where he spent most of the year: he just hangs out.
Who had a good day? Johnson could own this course. After winning in 2017 and finishing in the top 10 last season, he seems ready for another spectacular week. He shot the only round without a bogey of the day and (this is not really a surprise) led the pack behind the wheel on Thursday.
Who had a bad day? The Artist, Bryson DeChambeau, had a hard time. Not only did he shoot a 75 in front of his buddy Tiger Woods, but their group was also put on hold late in the day for a slow game. All this just days after we were told that he was going to one day be unstoppable from a neurological point of view.
Stat of the day: This statistic has not changed significantly today, but it recalls how much Woods has been hilariously dominating these things over the years.
Shot of the day: This shot from McIlroy at the first hole of the normal 4 (as I noted above) was amazing. He almost fell, then he acted like he was trying to knock him down. From 305 yards!
What to watch the day 2: Does McIlroy gallop or come back a little on the ground? Many of his victories were won early and he must do it from the beginning. If it follows the 63 with a 65 or something in this range, it could be curtains in Chapultepec.
CBS Sports was with you all the way to update this story with the latest scores, scans and highlights from the WGC-Mexico Championship, especially when Woods was on the course. If you can not see the live updates below, please click here.
Thank you for being past.
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