- Rory McIlroy labelled his opening round at the PGA Championship as "s***" after concluding with four successive bogeys, placing him four over par and seven shots adrift of the leaders.
- The Masters champion attributed his struggles primarily to inconsistent driving, noting it has been a persistent issue throughout the year and that his shots tend to go "wayward" when under pressure.
- McIlroy acknowledged that the Aronimink Golf Club course proved more penalising for missed fairways than he had initially expected, contrary to his pre-tournament view of it being a "bash driver down" course.
- Playing alongside McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth both completed their rounds one under par, with Rahm's score boosted by an eagle and a chip-in birdie, while Spieth aims to complete his career grand slam.
- Rahm issued an apology after accidentally hitting a volunteer with a divot during a frustrated swing, expressing deep regret and a commitment to make amends.
IN FULL
