Golfer Rory McIlroy leads the standings after the first round of the PGA Championship. The Northern Irishman started the second major of the year with 65 strokes, while Tiger Woods struggled on the first day.
The 33-year-old McIlroy made seven birdies on the courts of the Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa (Oklahoma) and had to counter it with two bogeys. He is one stroke ahead of Americans Tom Hoge and Will Zalatoris.
“A great start to my tournament,” said the former world number one, who has already won four majors in his career. McIlroy won the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014.
He has not won a major since that second win at the American tournament. Last month he finished second at the Masters in Augusta behind American Scottie Scheffler, the current world leader. Scheffler needed 71 strokes for his first round on Thursday and is tied for 38th place.
Rory Mcllroy (left) leads the PGA Championship while Tiger Woods struggled on day one.
Rory Mcllroy (left) leads the PGA Championship while Tiger Woods struggled on day one. Photo: Getty Images
Disappointing day Woods: ‘I can’t put any weight on my leg’
Tiger Woods had an entirely disappointing day. The fifteen-time major winner, who recently made his comeback at the Masters after more than a year of absence due to a car accident, is in 99th place with 74 strokes. Woods was visibly having trouble walking.
“It was a frustrating day. Walking hurts, turning hurts, pushing off hurts. I can’t put any weight on my leg,” said the 46-year-old American, who suffered serious injuries to his right leg in the car accident.
The PGA Championship lasts until Sunday. The golf major was won by Phil Mickelson last year. The American has been inactive for three months after making controversial statements about a new Saudi Arabia-funded tour early this year.