Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy go in opposite directions at Riviera

Forget about Rory McIlroy pumping iron for the moment; it’s Jordan Spieth who has some heavy lifting to do if he’s to earn a Saturday tee time at Riviera Country Club.

Spieth, in case you missed it, scored the third-worst round of his career in Thursday’s opening round of the Northern Trust Open — an 8-over 79 that may actually be an 80 if officials tack on another shot after reviewing the tape.

Golf’s No. 1 may well lose ground in the world rankings to a hard-charging McIlroy (a tidy 67) if he is unable to rebound from a start that left him 16 shots off Camilo Villegas’ 18-hole lead. And he may be facing a bigger deficit than his scorecard indicated after he signed for eight bogeys, a double and two birdies, and subsequently asked for a ruling on his third shot on the ninth hole.

“I don’t think it moved, and they’re going to be able to check with TV and let me know tomorrow,” Spieth told the AP’s Doug Ferguson about asking officials to determine whether his ball wobbled but did not change position. “I’m sure it didn’t. It caught my attention because the club got a little stuck. Typically, it would do as you’re setting it down. And it was oscillating as I took it back, as it [the club] got stuck.”

This naked eye sees nothing that would require a one-shot penalty according to Rule 18-2, but officials will come back with a decision on Friday morning.

Coincidentally, Spieth called for a ruling on his second shot to the ninth green, which had nothing to do with what happened (or didn’t happen) next.

In any case, Spieth will start his second round either in second-to-last place or DFL and tied with Steven Bowditch (John Huh was at 8-over on his 17th hole when first-round play was suspended due to darkness).

“It’s just a day to forget, and I won’t think much on it,” Spieth said. “I believe that I can shoot 10-under par on this golf course. There’s a 9-under round right now, and I think I can do that. I’m not packing it in by any means.”

Well before Spieth’s nightmare round (nine of 14 fairways and 9 of 18 greens in regulation, 34 putts), the muscular McIlroy put his spat with Brandel Chamblee behind him and got his Riviera debut off to a rollicking beginning.

The third-ranked golfer has made no secret of the fact that he has his eyes on reclaiming the spot currently held by Spieth, who may well be hearing footsteps.

“Got off to a nice start, two-under through two,” said McIlroy, who started on the 10th tee and finished four shots back of Villegas’ nearly flawless and quite unexpected 63.

For the record, Spieth’s highest score as a professional was an 82 in the third round of the 2013 Memorial. He also owns an 80 in the third round of the 2014 Tour Championship.