Back-to-back major champion Rory McIlroy struggled in the opening round of The Barclays, carding a three-over par 74 at Ridgewood Country Club in New Jersey.  Bo Van Pelt is atop of the leaderboard after firing a six-under 65 on Thursday.  The trio of Hunter Mahan, Cameron Tringale and Charles Howell the Third are all one stroke behind Van Pelt at five-under.  Phil Mickelson shot an even par 71, while 14-time major winner Tiger Woods is absent as he recovers from a back injury.  McIlroy, who is first in FedEx points, is a virtual lock to advance to the 30-player Tour Championship in three weeks, despite shooting his worst round since the Scottish Open in July.