Rory McIlroy is at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, playing for the first time since his historic Masters victory two weeks ago, capturing the final leg of the career Grand Slam. It was his third victory this year on the PGA Tour.

McIlroy’s year has been so crazy, however, that he nearly (almost!) forgot that he won the Players Championship. That playoff victory over J.J. Spaun came just five weeks ago.

He didn’t really forget, of course, but let’s just say, was pleased to be reminded, as he was Thursday on the first tee before the first round in New Orleans, where he’s the defending champion with teammate Shane Lowry. The two topped Chad Ramey and Martin Tainer when they made par on the first hole off a playoff last year at TPC Louisiana.

“Yeah, I was glad they remembered the Players, as well, in there,” McIlroy said. “It seems like a distant memory at this point. Look, very nice. I could get used to it.”

There was expected rust for McIlroy to start the first round, which is four-ball format. Starting on the 10th hole, he played his first nine holes in one over par. Lowry was four under during the same stretch to save the team’s score. McIlroy then played better, making birdie on the first hole, his 10th of the day, then made eagle on the next getting up and down from 206 yards out.

McIlroy and Lowry shot 32-32 for an eight-under 64. Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo lead after shooting a tournament-record 58 to open. The second and final rounds will be alternate-shot format. The third round, like the first, will be four-ball.

“Shane got off to a really good start. I didn’t do anything. Shane joked I could have got a couple extra hours in bed if I wanted to. But yeah, I played a bit better coming in,” McIlroy said.

“We felt like we left a few shots out there, but we were just saying the two foursomes days on Friday and Sunday here are the important days in this tournament, and it’s important for us to obviously post a good score tomorrow.”

McIlroy said he didn’t feel any nerves on the first tee, playing for the first time since earning his green jacket, but rather felt more relaxed knowing there was a partner, and longtime friend, playing next to him. He did, however, notice that there was a decent gallery following along, considering they teed off early on a Thursday.

“We had a great time playing in front of them last year,” he said. “It was a great atmosphere, especially at the weekend. So yeah, it’s always nice to play in front of a supportive, enthusiastic crowd, and looking forward to doing more of that over the next few days.”