McIlroy, McDowell put Ireland in lead in World Cup of Golf

SHENZHEN, China -- The Ireland team of Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy shot a 14-under 58 in the opening round of the World Cup of Golf, taking a three-stroke lead to live up to their tag as tournament favorites.

After the opening day of fourball play Thursday, Argentina's little-known pair of Tano Goya and Rafael Echenique were in a surprise second place after a 61.

Japan was a further stroke back in third, while defending champion Sweden was six shots off the lead with three other teams -- Italy, Canada and Korea -- in the $5.5 million tournament at the Mission Hills Golf Club in Dongguan.

Aiming to win Ireland's third World Cup, McDowell and McIlroy each birdied six holes while McIlroy eagled the par-5 15th.

"We got off to a great start today and we birdied the holes that we knew we had to on the front nine," McIlroy said. "We had a chance of two birdies most holes and most of the time we took one of them."

England, another top contender represented by Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher, finished the day one eight strokes back with a 66.

The United States pair of Nick Watney and John Merrick finished with a 67, with Watney getting four of the five birdies.

Play continues Friday with alternate-shot foursomes.