IT WAS A disappointing start to the weekend for Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell as both carded opening rounds of three-over par on the first day of the Honda Classic.

Respective scores of 73 have left the Irish duo six shots off the early pace set by American Spencer Levin who is currently ranked 123rd in the world.

Levin’s round of three-under par has given him a one-shot advantage at the top of the leaderboard. Five others are bunched behind him on two-under, including Australian Stuart Appleby, South African Charl Schwartzel, and Korean Y.E. Yang.

World number two Lee Westwood currently finds himself in a tie for ninth place after an opening round of level par.

Speaking at the conclusion of yesterday’s round, clubhouse leader Levin commented on the difficult playing conditions which he encountered yesterday. Wind speeds of up to 20 miles per hour were recorded at Palm Beach Gardens yesterday.

It’s a different kind of golf. You get in a par mode, really, where you just have to take what the course gives you.

If you hit a good drive, you don’t want to get too cute and try to go at a pin, because you know pars are going to be a good score.

Watch the highlights of yesterday’s first-round action below.