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Coming off big win, Rory McIlroy opens with 63 at Muirfield Village

Associated Press
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Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, hits from the 14th fairway during the first round of the Memorial golf tournament Thursday, May 29, 2014, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (The Associated Press)

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, reacts to his shot from the 14th fairway during the first round of the Memorial golf tournament Thursday, May 29, 2014, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (The Associated Press)

One week after finally getting a big win, Rory McIlroy showed Thursday that he might be ready for another in the Memorial.

McIlroy made two eagles on the back nine at Muirfield Village and opened with a 9-under 63 — despite making a double bogey with a wedge in his hand on the 14th hole. That gave him a three-shot lead over Masters champion Bubba Watson, Paul Casey and Chris Kirk.

McIlroy won the BMW PGA Championship last week in England. That was the strongest field he had beaten in more than two years.

Adam Scott, the Colonial winner last week in his debut at No. 1 in the world, had a 69.

Phil Mickelson was within range of McIlroy until dropping five shots on the last three holes for a 72.