McIlroy Down To Earth With A Bump As Donald Profits On Day Of Drama

In terms of US PGA Championship shocks, nothing is likely to beat the 2024 sight of Scottie Scheffler in a prison jumpsuit in the hours preceding his second round at Valhalla.

- Ewan Murray

The return of this major was, however, dramatic enough.

So much for Quail Hollow as Rory's playground. Rory McIlroy, fresh from Masters glory, opened with a three-over 74. This was not in anybody's script. Luke Donald, McIlroy's Ryder Cup captain, last posted a major top 10 in 2013. Donald produced a 67 that rolled back the years and defied seasoned analysts who insisted only big hitters can master this major property.

The US PGA debutant Ryan Gerard, the world No 81, surged to the top of the leaderboard at seven under par. Gerard stumbled over the closing two holes but his 66 still claimed the early lead. When a 68 for Matt Fitzpatrick is factored in, the Yorkshireman has been searching desperately for form – this was another day of the unexpected. Only the brave will predict what happens next.

Beyond celebration of the completion of a career grand slam it may well be that McIlroy has a psychological adjustment to make in this fresh chapter of his extraordinary career. Perhaps that is looking too deeply into round one of this tournament. The Northern Irishman's fundamental issue was technical and uncharacteristic; he hit just four of 14 fairways. At a course dominated by long par fours, this will always place a golfer behind the eight ball. Other elements of McIlroy's game could not rescue him. He had, for example, 31 putts.