Rory McIlroy got himself off to a fine start at the PGA Championship today as he carded a well-plotted five under par.
The 34-year-old put to bed the old adage of him struggling in round one of majors by being one of the best players out there in the early groupings.
McIlroy’s five under leaves him four off Xander Schauffele still, who carded a stunning nine under round of 62 to make history at Valhalla.
However, in the main, McIlroy will be happy with his opening round effort and he’s among a group of players around the same sort of score who’ll be looking to reel Schauffele in tomorrow.
Of course, things can always be better for any golfer, even someone as talented as world number two Rory McIlroy.
Today was no different, as his strokes gained off the tee stats at one point were down there with the very worst in the field, including the legendary John Daly.
In a stat shared by the No Laying Up social media account on X, McIlroy was down in 74th from 78 players at one point.
And over on social media, there was an abundance of reaction from golf fans to how McIlroy was playing before he recovered.
Golf fans react to shocking Rory McIlroy stat on strokes gained off the tee
As is always the case with shock statistics or big moments in golf, the world of social media had plenty to say.
A few fans initially noticed how the No Laying Up account seemed to have cursed McIlroy after hole one.
Other fans chose to make a joke of the situation, suggesting that the cult hero that is Michael Block was still not too far off McIlroy.
@UTKiely18 mocked Block in his comment, saying: “Incredible how much work Blocky has put in over the last year to catch up to Rory in strokes gained off the tee! Truly admirable“
While @PedroiasBurner also mentioned Block in his sarcastic response.
“If only Blockie could drive it like Rory”
- READ MORE: PGA Championship: The ultimate guide to one of golf’s major showdowns steeped in rich history
Of course, there were some sensible replies, as some suggested Rory’s worse driving day still coincided with him shooting a low score.
Going into day two tomorrow, then, it looks like Rory has plenty in the tank and still some improvements to come.
If he can card a similar score tomorrow, then McIlroy will be right in contention over the weekend.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
