The 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club began on May 15, and Rory McIlroy, fresh off his Masters victory, faced an unexpected setback, carding a 3-over 74 in Round 1. As the co-favorite alongside Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy’s performance left him tied for 92nd, a stark contrast to his dominance at this venue.
This article analyzes Rory McIlroy’s opening round, his prospects for recovery, and the broader context of his 2025 season, offering golf fans a detailed look at a champion under pressure.
Background: Rory McIlroy’s Stellar 2025
Rory McIlroy, the world No. 2, has had a monumental year, completing his career Grand Slam with a dramatic Masters win in April 2025, defeating Justin Rose in a playoff, per ESPN. His fifth major ended an 11-year drought and cemented his status among golf’s elite, joining legends like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.
With four PGA Tour wins at Quail Hollow, including the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship, Rory McIlroy entered the PGA Championship as a 5-1 favorite, per CBS Sports. His 2025 season includes three marquee victories, such as the Truist Championship, and a T6 at the same event last week, despite trailing leaders Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka, per Sky Sports.
Off course, Rory McIlroy made headlines with a TPG sports investment fund launch and plans to move to Surrey after the U.S. Open, per Bloomberg.
Round 1 at Quail Hollow: A Rare Off Day
In Thursday’s opening round, Rory McIlroy struggled off the tee, hitting just four of 14 fairways and battling a left miss with his driver, per CBS Sports. His 74 included bogeys on the 7th and 16th, a double-bogey on the 18th, and only two birdies, placing him nine shots behind leader Johnattan Vegas (4-under).
At 8:22 a.m. ET, McIlroy was playing with Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. According to CBS Sports, his swing was “out of sorts,” which was different from his typical Quail Hollow expertise, where he had averaged 68.5 in previous rounds. His annoyance was shown in posts on X, where one member wrote, “Rory’s driver betrayed him today.”
Despite the score, Rory McIlroy’s historical scoring prowess at Quail Hollow—nicknamed “Rory McIlroy Country Club” by Jordan Spieth—offers hope for a rebound, per Sky Sports.
Challenges and Recovery Prospects
Rory McIlroy’s Round 1 woes contrast with his 2025 form, which includes a 346-yard drive at the WM Phoenix Open and a 56-yard advantage off the tee at Augusta, per @PGATOUR on X. His Master’s triumph, marked by a viral emotional collapse after sinking the winning putt, showcased his resilience, per Today.com.
But according to NBC Sports, Quail Hollow’s 7,558-yard layout, which was softer by early-week rain but firmer with SubAir greens, requires accuracy. According to Golf Digest, McIlroy dropped 0.8 strokes off the tee and 1.1 on approach, highlighting areas that need attention. With a 6:46 p.m. predicted cut line of +1.
According to The Independent, a low score is crucial for Round 2’s BST tee time. According to NBC Sports, experts like Rex Hoggard believe McIlroy might use his course experience to move up the leaderboard.
Broader Context and Motivation
Rory McIlroy’s Masters win lifted the burden of his Grand Slam chase, but he insists his competitive fire remains, telling ESPN, “I’m not satisfied—I want more majors.” His refusal to trade any part of his game, as quipped in a May 14 press conference, reflects confidence, per @flushingitgolf on X.
Facing Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Justin Thomas, who won at Quail Hollow in 2017, McIlroy’s path to a sixth major is tough, per ESPN. His Round 2 performance, live on Sky Sports Golf from 1 p.m., will test his mental toughness, per Sky Sports.
Why Rory McIlroy’s PGA Run Matters
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship journey, despite a rocky start, captivates fans. His Quail Hollow legacy and recent Grand Slam triumph make his recovery bid a compelling narrative. A strong Round 2 could propel him toward back-to-back majors, solidifying his place among golf’s all-time greats.
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