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The Tiger Woods-Rory McIlroy duel did not produce the first-round fireworks many expected in yesterday’s Barclays Championship opening round at Bethpage Black.
But both Woods, who shot a 3-under-par 68, and McIlroy, who shot 69, are still in contention, trailing leader Padraig Harrington at 7-under par.
One day earlier, McIlroy said jokingly to reporters, with Woods listening, that he wanted to “kick’’ Woods’ butt in the upcoming Ryder Cup.
Yesterday, McIlroy revealed that he and Woods had lunch together shortly after he made that comment and Woods told him, “There’s no way in hell you’re kicking my [butt].’’
“Obviously, it was just a joke and it was funny and we had a laugh out of it, so it was good,’’ McIlroy said.
Initially, McIlroy looked like he might go very low, getting to 3-under par through his first six holes (he and Woods started on No. 10).
Woods’ start wasn’t as sharp. He managed just one birdie in his first 10 holes.
“He didn’t start off great, but he sort of weathered the storm a bit and he got to 3-‑under without any bogeys, bogeyed 6, but came back and birdied 7,’’ McIlroy said. “He got his way around the golf course like a true pro, even if he hadn’t got his best game with him.’’
Woods said he played “all right.’’
“I didn’t quite hit the ball as well as I would like,” he said. “But I’m very pleased with the way I putted. I putted great.”
McIlroy said playing with Woods “always adds a little bit of intensity’’ to the round.
“With it being the [FedEx Cup] playoffs and having a grouping like that as well I feel it just focuses you from the get‑go,’’ he said. “Just like anyone else, I’ll watch the shots he hits. I’m not deliberately not trying to look at him or anything.’’
Asked about their budding rivalry, McIlroy said, “There have been rivalries built up in golf before, but our main objective is breaking par on the course. If we were playing match play every week, of course we could build up some sort of rivalries. I’m not just saying Tiger and myself. We’re trying to shoot 3-under, 4-‑under, 5-‑under. We’re not trying to beat each other.’’
mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com