The WGC-CA championship kicked off with a gust on Thursday as the wind made conditions difficult on the Blue Monster Course at the Doral Golf Resort in Miami.

Padraig Harrington played a rollercoaster round with five birdies and three bogeys to end up shooting 70 for a share of eleventh place.

Graeme McDowell carded a two over par 74, while Rory McIlroy had six bogeys and two birdies to end up with a 76, four over par for the tournament.

South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel is the first round leader after a five under par 67, with Robert Allenby, Vijay Singh and Ernie Els in a tie for second, one shot behind.