Rory McIlroy stumbles at The Barclays

Could Rory McIlroy’s hot streak be coming to an end?

It’s still early, but the No. 1-ranked golfer from Northern Ireland got off to a slow start at The Barclays on Thursday, suffering two bogeys and a double on his first nine holes.

McIlroy entered the first stop of the four-event FedEx Cup playoff series with three wins in his last three starts, including a PGA Championship victory.

“I’m just trying to keep it going for as long as I can,” he said this week. “Try and keep the momentum going.”

A FedEx Cup title would be the perfect capper for a season that also includes a British Open title.

“For me, it would just be very gratifying to know that I finished the season off well and the way that it should be finished off,” he said.

Australian Steven Bowditch stood at 5-under to grab the early lead at Ridgewood Country Club, followed by a pack of golfers -- including Ryo Ishikawa and Cameron Tringale -- one stroke back.