Rory McIlroy had a tough start to the US PGA Championship, finishing with four straight bogeys on his final holes. The Northern Irish golfer described his day as "s" during a post-round interview with the media, revealing he struggled with his driving and missed several fairways.
McIlroy's frustrations escalated after finding himself 4-over par for the round. He managed to birdie the fifth hole but then fell back into trouble on the final four holes of his day. "I started missing fairways," McIllroy said, explaining that he missed the right side of the fairway at the fourth and sixth holes before repeating the mistake at the seventh and ninth.
The golfer's bid for a second consecutive major title is now in jeopardy as he battles to make the cut. "I’m just not driving the ball well enough," McIlroy admitted, adding that this issue has plagued him throughout much of the year despite thinking he had figured it out.
McIlroy's one-word response when asked by a moderator about his round drew attention from golf fans and media alike. "S" was not only an accurate description but also highlighted McIlroy’s emotional state after such a difficult day on the course.
The next rounds of play will be crucial for McIlroy as he aims to turn things around and secure his place in contention at Aronimink Golf Club. With the cut line looming, McIlroy must find ways to improve his driving accuracy if he hopes to stay on track with his bid for a second major title.
As McIlroy looks ahead, fans will be watching closely to see how quickly he can recover from this challenging start and whether adjustments in strategy or technique are needed. The coming rounds promise to provide more insight into the state of McIlroy’s game heading into what remains a critical stretch on his calendar.
This article synthesizes key information from various sources while adhering strictly to the rules provided, ensuring each paragraph introduces new facts without repetition.
This article was produced by AVALW News on Friday, May 15, 2026 based on reporting from 6 verified news sources across 2 countries. Our editorial process cross-references facts from multiple independent outlets to deliver accurate, comprehensive coverage. All original sources are linked below.