Rory McIIroy is gunning for the PGA Championship as he recorded his best start to a major for 11 years. The Northern Irishman began the event in Southern Hills in fine style, shooting an impressive 65 to take an early lead.
After a late flurry at The Masters last month, which saw him finish runner-up, the 33-year-old has carried that form over to the event he has won on two previous occasions. Despite reason to be optimistic, the former world number one is keeping his feet firmly on the ground as he bids for a fifth major title.
“It's important now not to get carried away,” he said. “I hit the ball great, as I have been doing for a while now. I knew I could build on my final-round 64 at the Masters and I've done that. But it won't mean anything unless I can keep it going. I'll need to play as well for the next three days if I am going to have a chance to win.”
He also expressed his satisfaction at being able to start an event of this magnitude on the front for the first time in over a decade. “Overall, it was a great day," said McIlroy, who is chasing a third US PGA title. "Great to get off to a great start at a major championship for a change. I came in here knowing my game is in good shape so it is a matter of executing the shots you know you can - I need to replicate that and not get ahead of myself."
He leads the tournament five under par and carries a one shot lead into day two. On the other hand, playing partner Tiger Woods, who is contesting just his second tournament since his horrific car crash last year, endured a nightmare start to the tournament. He began brightly however, hitting birdies on his first and fifth holes.
But as he progressed deeper into the round, the golf legend appeared to be in discomfort, wincing after tee shots, and closed with successive bogeys to finish four over. “My leg is fine until I play golf,” the 46-year-old revealed after the day’s play. “I just can't load weight on to it. That hurts, pressing off it hurts, and walking and twisting hurts.
“Consequently, I hit a lot of bad iron shots and I left myself in some bad spots where it was difficult to save par. I've felt better emotionally, too. It made for a frustrating day. Now it's a case of having a few ice baths this afternoon to get the inflammation down so I can play in the second round.
He added: "It has felt better before. It's a little sore right now. Lots of treatment, lots of ice baths, and try and get the inflammation out and try and get ready for tomorrow." Despite his leg pain and poor start to the PGA Championship, Woods is confident he can claw his way back into the event.
“Try and shoot something in the mid-60s tomorrow. Rory proved today it can be done, he made it look very easy,” he proclaimed. “It can be done. I witnessed it first hand. Hopefully I can shoot something low and get back in the tournament.” The sport’s in-form player and Masters champion Scottie Scheffler, ended the first day on one over par, as well as 2013 US Open champion Justin Rose, while former world number one John Rahm finished three over.
