The opening round of the 2025 PGA Championship brought unexpected twists for golf fans, especially those following Rory McIlroy. Entering Quail Hollow with high hopes after recent success at the Masters, McIlroy faced stiff competition and some tough breaks. This article reviews his round, key moments, and what lies ahead for the four-time major winner.

McIlroy's Difficult Start in North Carolina

Rory McIlroy, regarded as one of the favorites after his Masters triumph, got off to a rough opening round at Quail Hollow. He finished the day with a 3-over-par 74, leaving him well behind the early leaders. Expectations were high, but several factors hindered his performance.

According to Yahoo Sports, Jhonattan Vegas charged to the top by carding a brilliant 7-under 64. In sharp contrast, McIlroy struggled to find his rhythm, both off the tee and on the greens. Throughout his round, he managed to hit only four of fourteen fairways and needed 31 putts to complete his round.

Key Moments from McIlroy’s Round

The pivotal moment came at the 16th hole, a 535-yard par-four—the longest on the course. Not only did McIlroy double-bogey the hole, but he was also joined by his accomplished playing partners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, who suffered the same fate. ESPN's coverage highlights that this triple-double was caused by challenging conditions, including rain-soaked fairways and unpredictable mud balls.

McIlroy’s round wasn’t all struggles. He made an early birdie on his first hole (the 10th) and fought to recover after a series of errant tee shots. But bogeys late in his round left him with work to do if he hopes to contend through the weekend.

Analysis: What Went Wrong for McIlroy?

Ewan Murray of The Guardian noted that McIlroy’s main problem was wayward driving. He found trouble off the tee repeatedly, which made approach shots tougher. Even his usually reliable putting couldn’t rescue him from a disappointing score. As the Masters champion begins this new chapter in his career, he may need more than technical adjustments—perhaps a mental reset is also in order.

Despite a tough day, McIlroy was quick to head to the practice range, showing resilience and determination. With three rounds to go, he has a chance to recover and make a push up the leaderboard.

What to Watch Next

Golf fans know that Rory McIlroy is no stranger to comebacks. His track record at Quail Hollow includes memorable wins, and his recent Masters victory proves he's still capable of greatness. If he improves accuracy with the driver and finds touch on the greens, McIlroy can get back in contention.

For up-to-date scores and live updates, follow Yahoo Sports' live leaderboard. For deeper analysis and reaction from peers, check The Guardian’s report.

Conclusion

Rory McIlroy’s first round at the 2025 PGA Championship was challenging, but golf fans know he’s resilient. With determination and talent, McIlroy remains a player to watch as the tournament unfolds. Stay tuned for more updates and expert analysis as the action continues at Quail Hollow.