Rory McIlroy Fires Off Four Straight Birdies in Opening Nine of 2022 PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy got off to a magical start Thursday at Southern Hills Country Club.

The two-time PGA Championship winner rattled off four birdies in a row from No’s 12-15 and was the solo leader as he made the turn. He shot 4-under 31.

McIlroy was dialed in through the early part of his round. His first birdie on the par-4 12th came after he hit his approach shot to just 22 inches. He two-putted for birdie on 13, rolled in a 26-footer on 14, and threw a dart to 9 feet on 15. He nearly added another on 17, but his birdie try just kissed the edge of the hole and caused him to flip his putter in disbelief.

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McIlroy came into this week’s PGA Championship after shooting an 8-under 64 in the final round of the Masters. He spoke on Tuesday about how he liked the Gil Hanse effort.

“It’s a really good track,” said McIlroy. “I really enjoyed playing it (on Monday), and I think it’s going to be a wonderful test this week.”

McIlroy has struggled in the opening round of major championships over the last 18 months. He hasn’t broken 70 in any of his last six major openers and has gone 75-76-75 in his last three.

The last time McIlroy broke 70 at the opening round of the PGA Championship came in 2014 – when he went on to win.

McIlroy also won the PGA Championship in 2012. He won by eight shots that year after opening with a 67.

McIlroy finished T49 last year.