WATCH: Rory McIlroy Clatters Flagstick With Stunning Shot At PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy made a stunning birdie to kickstart his back nine during the first round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla


Rory McIlroy clattered the pin with a superb iron shot from the rough as he looked to keep pace with early leader Xander Schauffele during the first round of the PGA Championship.
McIlroy heads into the week at Valhalla in fine form, with consecutive wins in his last two starts at the Zurich Classic and Wells Fargo Championship. The Northern Irishman is also looking to end a ten-year Major drought, with his last win coming at this week's course back in 2014.
Starting on the back nine early Thursday, the 35-year-old made a fast start, birdieing two of his first four holes before being pegged back with a bogey on the par-4 17th.
Often the staple of his game, McIlroy's driving then let him down at the par-5 18th when his tee shot found water, but the World No.2 scrambled well to save his par.
And the four-time Major champion was back on the attack at the very next hole, producing a remarkable approach shot from a side-hill lie in the rough to set up birdie and get him back to -2 with eight holes to play.
Setting the early pace in Louisville was Xander Schauffele - runner-up to McIlroy last week at Quail Hollow - as the American covered his first nine in 31 to lead on -5.
HOW DID THIS NOT GO IN!? 😱Rory McIlroy is pin hunting! #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/At8fOqxTFSMay 16, 2024
McIlroy, meanwhile, will be keen to get back to the course after the pre-tournament discussion was dominated by the surprise news that he had filed for divorce with his wife Erica Stoll.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
While he did not address the issue in his pre-tournament press conference, the golfer's representatives have stressed "the couple’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible, and to surround their daughter with love and privacy."

Ben joined Golf Monthly having completed his NCTJ in multimedia sports journalism at News Associates, London. He is now a freelance journalist who also works for The Independent, Metro, UEFA and Stats Perform.
-
Who Is Carlos Ortiz's Wife?
Carlos Ortiz and his wife Hayley Ortiz got married in 2017... here's what we know about her
-
A New Fairway Wood, New Irons, And A New Putter! Has Adam Scott Found The Bag Set Up To Win The US Open?
Adam Scott overhauled his golf bag ahead of the US Open, and it seems to be paying off...
-
What Is Going On With Rory McIlroy?
The World No.2 discussed why he has been skipping media more frequently as of late after his 74 on Saturday at Oakmont
-
Which Male Golfer Currently Has The Most Consecutive Major Starts?
Consistency is what every professional golfer strives for, alongside playing in as many Majors as possible, and one man is clear at the top of the most consecutive starts, but who is it?
-
Rory McIlroy Head And Shoulders Clear Of US Open Field In Surprising Driving Distance Chart
The Masters champion has been driving it very well at Oakmont so far, ranking 11th in SG: Off the tee and sitting a full 36 yards clear of the field in average distance
-
WATCH: Rory McIlroy Launches Club Before Smashing Tee Marker
During the second round at the 2025 US Open, a frustrated Rory McIlroy launched a club and broke a tee marker at Oakmont Country Club, as he just made the cut
-
Rory McIlroy Continues To Skip Media... And It's Not A Good Look
McIlroy has not spoken to the press after any of his first rounds in the three Majors so far this year after once again skipping media at the US Open
-
The Stats That Show Rory McIlroy Shouldn't Be Overlooked At Oakmont
Rory McIlroy has drifted in the markets for the US Open after missing the cut last week, but history suggests he may be worth keeping on side at Oakmont
-
From Shooting 81 To Playing Tennis And Changing His Driver Again - 5 Things Rory McIlroy Said Ahead Of The 2025 US Open
The five-time Major winner touched on a number of subjects in his press conference ahead of the US Open
-
Rory McIlroy Changes Driver Again Ahead Of US Open
After claiming he would be doing some driver testing following the RBC Canadian Open last week, McIlroy was spotted using his faithful TaylorMade Qi10 driver during a practice round at Oakmont