That’s how to start a major, Rory! McIlroy reels off four straight birdies to kick off his US PGA Championship bid in style – as he looks to finally end his first round curse in pursuit of his fifth major title
- Rory McIlroy has, in recent years, been hindered by awful starts at Majors
- But the Northern Irishman reeled off four straight birdies in his opening round at the US PGA Championship at Southern Hills
- Tiger Woods, McIlroy’s playing partner, also made an encouraging start
He has been renowned for starting badly in major tournaments in recent years but Rory McIlroy surged into an early lead at the US PGA Championship at Southern Hills on Thursday, blasting four birdies in his opening six holes.
Starting on the 10th, the Northern Irishman reeled off four straight birdies from the 12th to the 15th as he made an excellent start in his bid to win a fifth major.
Tiger Woods, McIlroy’s playing partner alongside Jordan Spieth, also began promisingly with two birdies before denting his score a bogey-five at the 15th.
Rory McIlroy hit four straight birdies to begin in style at the US PGA Championship
McIlroy went out in the same group as Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth at Southern Hills
The US PGA is the one title that Spieth needs to win to complete a career Grand Slam.
He started well in the group of the day with a birdie at the 12th but then hit back-to-back bogeys at the 15th and 16th.
Crowd favourite John Daly also made a good start and was two-under through 12 holes. The 56-year-old was sporting his trademark bold trousers, which were a pattern of multi-coloured skulls.
Justin Rose also reeled off three straight birdies from the 13th to 15th as a number of big names made encouraging starts.
Elsewhere in the draw, Scottie Scheffler is set to go out at 7:36pm UK time. Ireland’s Shane Lowry starts at 7:03pm and Dustin Johnson begins at 7:14pm.
Crowd favourite John Daly – sporting some bold trousers – also began promisingly
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