Rory McIlroy struggles at US PGA Championship as Luke Donald shares lead
McIlroy's nerve-shredding victory at Augusta National made him just the sixth male golfer to complete a career grand slam and gave him a fifth major title, one behind Sir Nick Faldo.
And the world number two was strongly fancied to equal Faldo's tally at the first opportunity at Quail Hollow, a venue where he won his first PGA Tour title in 2010 and has since claimed three more victories, including last year.
A double-bogey at the 16th for Rory McIlroy…
His first double-bogey at Quail Hollow since 2010 🤯#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/NU932zUHuM
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) May 15, 2025
However, McIlroy hit just one fairway in his first nine holes on Thursday as he covered the back nine in one over par to lie five shots off the early pace being surprisingly set by Europe's Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.
McIlroy was among the early starters from the 10th tee in Thursday's first round and despite missing the fairway and green on the downhill par five, he holed from 10 feet for birdie after a well-judged pitch.
That shot was immediately given back on the next with a disappointing three-putt and McIlroy had to save par on the 12th with a deft chip after his approach span back off the side of the green.
McIlroy was unable to find the green on the reachable par-four 14th and although he hit a good pitch to four feet, he could not convert the birdie attempt.
Another wayward drive on the par-five 15th stopped just a few feet from the water and McIlroy was able to hit a seven iron just short of the green, from where he two-putted for birdie.
But after pulling another tee shot on the 16th, McIlroy's back foot slipped as he tried to pitch the ball back into play and he missed the green with his approach on his way to a double bogey.
Playing partners Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion and world number one, also made six after pulling their approaches into the water as the first hole of the so-called 'Green Mile' closing stretch claimed three high-profile victims.
McIlroy almost chipped in for birdie on the 17th before yet another pulled tee shot on the 18th stopped just short of the creek which runs the length of the hole, from where he was able to find the putting surface and make par.
Opening Round Hole Locations ⛳#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/GUualgJdk7
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 15, 2025
Despite torrential rain disrupting practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday, tournament organisers had opted not to implement preferred lies at Quail Hollow, raising the prospect of more complaints about 'mud balls' as voiced by Jordan Spieth at the Masters.
A statement from the PGA of America, released on Wednesday evening, read: 'We do not plan to play preferred lies.
'The playing surfaces are outstanding and are drying by the hour. We are mowing the fairways this evening. We are looking forward to an exciting opening round to the 107th PGA Championship.'
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