Rocketman Rory basks in his status as the hottest ticket in sport

Elton John and Donald Trump are among those to have contacted Northern Irishman after triumph at Augusta that realised a lifelong dream

- Ewan Murray

Please welcome your Players and Masters champion, Rory McIlroy."

Shortly before 8am on the 10th tee at TPC Louisiana. The gallery is less than 100 in number. Still, there is extra pep in the starter's voice. Those last four words carry such weight, they conjure such images. Masters champion, Rory McIlroy. An introduction he had waited a lifetime to receive. It somehow felt inadequate that it was over in a split second. "Very nice," said McIlroy later. "I could get used to it." He will be afforded that very privilege.

A 329-yard drive flew down the fairway. The latest chapter of McIlroy's thrilling, fabled career was under way. Dressed all in black, 11 days after he may as well have worn Superman's cape. Records will show McIlroy, in partnership with Shane Lowry in better ball format, started life as a grand slam winner with an eight-under-par 64 at the Zurich Classic. Back in the old routine.

McIlroy has never needed to chase popularity. The way he plays, the way he talks and, to an extent, the heartache attached to parts of his career means he is the people's champion. McIlroy is relatable. Unlike Tiger Woods in his prime, he does not pretend to be infallible. It is just that the adulation has been cranked up a notch. Crowds quickly multiplied as McIlroy and Lowry went about their business.

Theirs was a subdued round until McIlroy rolled in a lengthy birdie putt at the 1st, the pair's 10th, and hit an outrageous second at the next to set up an eagle. They will fancy their chances of a successful Zurich defence albeit this was a day on which the Højgaard twins, Rasmus and Nicolai, posted a 59, only to be headed by the 58-shooting Kevin Velo and Isaiah Salinda. Crazy golf.

"Shane got off to a really good start," McIlroy said. "I didn't do anything. Shane joked I could have had a couple of extra hours in bed if I wanted to. But yeah, I played a bit better coming in. It was OK. We felt like we left a few shots out there."