MILE SIGH CLUB

Frustrated Mcllroy haunted by 'Green Mile' and left playing catch up after first-round shocker

- RICH JONES

THE dreaded 'Green Mile' will decide the US PGA Championship on Sunday - and the world's top three players learned about it the hard way in their opening round.

The daunting three-hole stretch to close out at Quail Hollow threatened to chew up and spit out the very best.

For Rory McIlroy, a moment of magic on 18 limited the damage.

But he now faces an uphill task after his driving deserted him and his worst round at the course since 2011 - a three-over 74 - left him well adrift of the lead.