Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy was pleased with his start as he started the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational with an opening 67.

The former world number one was playing in his first tournament since splitting with regular caddie JP Fitzgerald.

McIlroy confirmed the pair had split on Wednesday and he teamed with close friend Harry Diamond this week.

He converted five birdie opportunities but still recorded a three-under par round after dropping two shots.

The 28-year-old sits two shots behind overnight leader Thomas Pieters but McIlroy admits he enjoyed the round alongside Diamond.

"It was good with Harry on the bag, although a little weird at the start," he told Sky Sports. "Obviously it's been nine years since I've had anyone else on my bag, so even just hearing a different voice, it's a little different.

"But I thought we did well out there, and we consulted each other when we needed to. I sort of did all my own stuff when I felt like I was good and then whatever decisions I made, whether they were good or bad, it was on me. I didn't have anyone to get frustrated at or than myself. So it went well out there."