Truist Championship: Matt McCarty takes surprise first-round lead at Quail Hollow

American Matt McCarty took a surprise lead at the Truist Championship before play was suspended in Charlotte on Thursday.

The world number 45 made a combined 220 feet of putts – the most in a single round this season – and birdied his last three holes to post an eight-under first round of 63.

In his first round since retaining his Masters title, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy is one under after the world number two – a record four-time winner of the event – made 17 straight pars before closing with a birdie.

South Korea’s Sungjae Im trailed by one shot with one hole remaining when play was stopped because of inclement weather, with 20 of the event’s 72 golfers yet to finish their rounds.

England’s Harry Hall is one of five players in a tie for third, having managed six birdies and one bogey as he opened with a five-under 66 at Quail Hollow in North Carolina.

Compatriots Tommy Fleetwood, whose round included an eagle on the 10th, and Alex Fitzpatrick, fresh from securing tour membership, are on four under after 67s.