Rory McIlroy’s Dramatic Opening Round at PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy delivered a box-office performance on day one of the PGA Championship at Wentworth, reminding fans why he’s always a must-watch. Despite a few dramatic moments, McIlroy carded a five-under-par 67, leaving him content with his rollercoaster round.

One of the standout moments came on the 12th hole when McIlroy’s nine-iron snapped mid-shot, sending the club head hurtling down the fairway. Astonishingly, the ball finished within 8 feet of the hole. “It was a bit of a weird one,” McIlroy admitted. “I’ve certainly broken a few clubs after shots, but never during one. I lost sight of the ball and saw the club head instead, but fortunately, the shot ended up pretty close.”

The club was repaired in time for the 16th hole, but McIlroy didn’t need it before then. Earlier, on the 8th hole, he was forced into an awkward stance on the edge of a lake, leading him to putt backwards. A missed par putt on the 7th and a drive onto the road on the 18th added to the drama. Nevertheless, McIlroy’s front nine of 31, with birdies at the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 9th holes, put him at the top of the leaderboard at six under par before a bogey on the final hole brought him back to five under.

McIlroy’s round was all the more impressive considering he’s battling a virus. “It could have been better, but it was a really solid start. ” said McIlroy, who shared his score with Shane Lowry and Robert MacIntyre.

Lowry praised McIlroy’s form, saying, “Rory is obviously playing great golf. It’s no surprise to see him near the top of the leaderboard today.” Meanwhile, MacIntyre entertained the crowds with a bold driver shot from the fairway on the 17th, adding to an exciting day of golf.