Rory McIlroy takes Wells Fargo Championship lead after superb opening round of 66

The Irishman has won twice previously at Quail Hollow in North Carolina and looks primed to contend this weekend

Rory McIlroy produced a stunning five-under-par round of 66 to set up the prospect of a third career victory at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Returning to the course for the first time since a 21st place finish at The Masters last month, McIlroy shared the lead with American Joel Dahmen.

McIlroy, who has won previously at Quail Hollow in 2010 before repeating his success five years later, fired five birdies in a sizzling back nine to announce himself as the favourite this week.

Elsewhere, Scotland’s Martin Laird shot an impressive 67 and sits in a group one stroke behind McIlroy alongside former Masters champion Patrick Reed.

McIlroy appeared buoyed by his return to form and intent to back it up in his second round.

He said: “Had a lot of fun out there today, ready to do it again tomorrow!”

Justin Rose’s bid to recover from his Masters disappointment did not go entirely to plan as he sat four strokes behind McIlroy after shooting a one-under-par round of 70.

Rory McIlroy impressed during round one (Getty Images)

Rose, who missed the cut at Augusta for the first time in his career, recorded three bogeys in an inconsistent round which looks unlikely to put him in a position to challenge the leaders.