Rory McIlroy endured a disappointing start to his US PGA Championship campaign, finishing with four consecutive bogeys to card a four-over par opening round of 74 at Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia.
McIlroy's Round Unravels
The 37-year-old Northern Irishman, who is seeking back-to-back major titles after successfully defending his Masters crown at Augusta last month, began his round from the 10th tee. He opened with a bogey after being forced to hack out of the rough, but immediately responded with a birdie at the 11th hole. A run of 10 straight pars followed, leaving him at even par as he made the turn. However, his birdie putt on the 18th agonisingly lipped out, and he watched in disbelief as his ball rolled back to the front of the green.
McIlroy, chasing a seventh major title that would surpass Sir Nick Faldo's tally and make him the most successful European golfer of the modern era, struggled to find momentum on the back nine. A wayward drive on the fourth hole led to a second bogey, though he quickly rebounded with a 31-foot birdie putt. But from there, his round collapsed as inaccurate tee shots resulted in four straight bogeys, decimating his score.
Support and Competition
McIlroy enjoyed strong support from the large galleries following his group, which also included Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth. Spieth, aiming to complete the career grand slam, made an early move with three birdies on his back nine but two late bogeys left him at one-under par. Rahm began with a bogey on the 10th and struggled with the challenging greens, but produced a spectacular eagle from 98 yards on the second hole to return to level par, where he finished.
In the group ahead, 2024 winner Xander Schauffele made an early statement by birdieing three of his first four holes, ultimately finishing at two-under par. England's Alex Fitzpatrick started well with two birdies but a run of double bogey, bogey, bogey left him at two-over. Bryson DeChambeau, runner-up in the last two years, endured a torrid round, posting a six-over 76. South Africa's Garrick Higgo carded a one-under 69 despite being penalised two shots for arriving late to the tee.
World number one and defending champion Scottie Scheffler begins his campaign later alongside Matt Fitzpatrick and Justin Rose.
