McIlroy led from start to finish. He won the title back in 2015 and is looking to win it again this year.
This is McIlroy’s first appearance since he missed the cut at The Players over two weeks ago. He will next go up against Denny McCarthy on Thursday and will go up against Keegan Bradley on Friday.
He was working with a new putter as he successfully defeated Stallings.
“Obviously this part of the season you’ve got one eye on what you’re doing now and one eye on Augusta [for The Masters].”
“I had to respond a couple times to what Scott did on the back nine, so it was nice to sort of feel that little bit of pressure and have to hit a shot or have to make a putt.”
He was also asked about the news that he only needed 19 putts in a recent practice round at Augusta National, he laughed and said:
“Look, I had two good days.”
“We played 54 holes in two days and it was good. I was really happy with where my game was. It was sort of good to see that after struggling at The Players (Championship).”