( CNN ) -- Two-time major winner Rory McIlroy showed glimpses of the form which shot him to the top of the world rankings by hitting a five-under-par round of 67 to share the lead after the opening round of the Wells Fargo Open . McIlroy , who has struggled to produce his best golf since signing with Nike in January , shares the top of the leaderboard with six American players . `` I felt like I played really well , '' the world No . 2 told the PGA Tour 's official website after a round which included seven birdies and two bogeys . `` I feel a lot more comfortable with my swing and a lot more comfortable with where my game is at . That 's always going to make it easier . '' McIlroy won this event in 2010 and is playing for the first time since tying for 25th at the Masters in April . `` I love this golf course , '' added the 23-year-old , referring to the Quail Hallow Club in Charlotte , North Carolina . `` I always seem to play well here , so that 's an added benefit . `` I took the best part of two weeks off after Augusta and did n't touch a club . Flew back out to Florida last Friday , had three or four really good days ' practice , and I feel good about my game . `` I knew if I could just take that from there to here , I 'd do OK. '' Alongside McIlroy are the six Americans Ryan Moore , Nick Watney , Robert Garrigus , Derek Ernst , Daniel Summerhays and Nate Smith . Four-time major winner Phil Mickelson and 2007 Masters winner Zach Johnson are part of a six-strong group one stroke further back on four under . `` I really like this golf course , '' said Mickelson , who is looking for a first career win at this event . `` I think from tee to green it 's one of the best I 've ever seen . I really enjoy playing here . `` I 've had some good finishes , but you 're right . I have n't been able to break through and get a win . This year , hopefully , it will be different because I am playing well and I do really enjoy it here . ''
Rory McIlroy took the lead after first round of the Wells Fargo Open . The World No . 1 shot a five - under - par round of 67 at Quail Hallow . Six players share the early lead with Northern Ireland 's McIlroy . Phil Mickelson and Zach Johnson a stroke back on four under .