Rory McIlroy said something “huge” happened during his first round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla.
The four-time major winner is currently four shots adrift of Xander Schauffele, who carded a course and championship record 62 on Thursday.
McIlroy, starting on the 10th, birdied two of his first four holes before dropping a shot on the par-4 17th.
However, a four-under-par back nine [Valhalla’s first nine] means the Northern Irishman is firmly in contention.
Rory McIlroy pinpoints ‘huge’ moment on the 18th hole at Valhalla
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Speaking after his round, McIlroy reflected on a huge moment on the 18th green where he managed to salvage par.
He said: “Yeah, it was. It was huge. I could have easily bogeyed 18 and been back to even par, and then again, that ball on 1 could have hit the flagstick and went anywhere.
“I could have made bogey from that. Potentially being 1-over par through 10, I’m 2-under. So it’s a three-shot difference. It’s a big swing.”
Rory McIlroy must position himself well for the weekend at Valhalla
Another steady five-under-par round would position McIlroy nicely for the weekend at Valhalla.
In Friday’s second round, there’s no point in taking unnecessary risks in a bid to hunt down Schauffele.
As demonstrated at Quail Hollow last week, Schauffele is more than capable of struggling under pressure in the final round.
McIlroy must ensure that he’s within touching distance come Sunday; if he is, there’s every chance of him landing another Wanamaker Trophy on Valhalla’s famous 18th green.
Another notable name on the leaderboard is LIV Golf star Brooks Koepka, who is positioned nicely on four under after an impressive opening 67. World number 13, Collin Morikawa, is another high-profile player sitting tied-5th alongside McIlroy.
It’s looking like the final groups on Saturday and Sunday will be stacked with some of the world’s best players.
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