Rory McIlroy opened the US PGA Championship with a disappointing three-over 74 at Valhalla, struggling off the tee as he hit just four of 14 fairways. The Northern Irishman, fresh from Masters glory, found himself behind the eight ball on a course dominated by long par fours. Despite a promising start with a birdie on the 10th, his round unravelled with a three-putt at the 11th and a double bogey at the 16th—his first at Quail Hollow since 2010.
Meanwhile, debutant Ryan Gerard surged to the top of the leaderboard with a 66, sharing the lead with Cam Davis before Jhonattan Vegas finished birdie-birdie-birdie for a 65. Gerard, ranked 81st in the world, felt comfortable at the venue having played it several times during his college days in Kentucky. Luke Donald, the European Ryder Cup captain, rolled back the years with a 67, defying analysts who insisted only big hitters can master the course.
Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open champion, carded a 68 but spoke candidly about his recent struggles. “This is the worst I feel like I have ever played,” said the Yorkshireman, whose world ranking has slipped to 85. “It’s the lowest I’ve ever felt going on a golf course. I didn’t want to be out here at some points.”
McIlroy’s playing partners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, fared better, with Scheffler posting a 69. The Masters champion now faces a battle to rediscover his form with the driver, having headed to the practice range after his round. Donald, who last posted a major top 10 in 2013, acknowledged his invitation was a perk of being Ryder Cup captain, but added, “That really doesn’t bother me one bit.”
