McIlroy Struggles as Gerard Leads PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy, coming off a Masters victory and considered a top favorite, struggled in his opening round of the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, shooting a three-over 74 and hitting just three or four fairways. His round was hampered by errant drives and a double bogey on the 16th hole, leaving him seven shots behind the early leaders. While playing partners Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele also had trouble on the 16th, they finished with stronger scores. Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald posted a bogey-free 67 to sit among the leaders, joined by Ryan Fox and Alex Smalley. Ryan Gerard held the clubhouse lead with a 66 despite late-round bogeys. McIlroy now faces a steep challenge to stay in contention for consecutive major wins and his pursuit of a career Grand Slam.