McIlroy solid but not spectacular
Rory McIlroy may not have set the world alight with his opening 71 at the Masters on Thursday, but was happy with the round all the same.
The World No 1, chasing a career Grand Slam at the age of 25 after earlier victories at the Open Championship, US Open and PGA Championship, mixed two bogeys with three birdies in his 1-under-par effort.
It wasn’t the best of totals on a day when low scores were definitely on offer, but McIlroy seemed happy to just get the round out of the way.
“It was nice to get out there and finally play,” McIlroy told ESPN. “I felt like it was a solid start. Anything under par today is a decent score.”
McIlroy’s driver didn’t let him down, but his iron play did. He frequently got himself into great positions, but could only hit 12 of 18 greens in regulation.
“If I can drive the ball like I did today and maybe just hit a few iron shots closer, I should be right there,” the Northern Irishman added.
“It feels good, it’s nice to get on with the tournament. It was a long time coming. As I said, I’m glad to get started and pretty satisfied with the first day.”
McIlroy also started with a 71 last year, and followed it up with a 77 to spoil his chances. He’ll be hoping for a lot better on Friday.
Latest
-
PGA TourJustin Thomas switches focus to Texas after ‘unfathomable’ US PGA win
The former world number one won the championship for a second time on Sunday.
-
PGA ChampionshipMatt Fitzpatrick: Falling short at US PGA Championship ‘hurts a hell of a lot’
Fitzpatrick carded a closing three-over-par 73 to miss out on the play-off between eventual winner Justin Thomas and Will Zalatoris by two shots.
-
PGA ChampionshipJustin Thomas pays tribute to caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay after his US PGA victory
Phil Mickelson’s former bagman gave Thomas a crucial pep talk after he shot 74 on Saturday.
-
PGA ChampionshipTommy Fleetwood confident he is ‘coming out the other side’ after dip in form
Fleetwood finished in a tie for fifth at the US PGA Championship.
-
PGA ChampionshipEmotional Justin Thomas credits his experience for US PGA victory
Thomas also won the 2017 US PGA at Quail Hollow.
-
PGA ChampionshipJustin Thomas eclipses Will Zalatoris in play-off to claim second US PGA title
The former world number one’s victory equalled the biggest comeback in US PGA history.
-
PGA ChampionshipRory McIlroy’s Sunday charge at US PGA Championship ends in disappointment
McIlroy’s closing 68 in Tulsa was followed by him declining to speak to waiting reporters.
-
PGA ChampionshipPaul McGinley says Tiger Woods deserves better than to be a ‘ceremonial golfer’
The 46-year-old withdrew from a major championship for the first time in his professional career at Southern Hills.
-
PGA ChampionshipMito Pereira with three-shot lead at US PGA as Tiger Woods withdraws
It is the first time in his career that Woods has withdrawn from a major.
-
PGA ChampionshipMatt Fitzpatrick relishing chance at securing first major title
A third round of 67 means Fitzpatrick trails leader Mito Pereira by three shots at the US PGA Championship.