It was a tough day for Rory McIlroy on the first day of the Trusted Championship at Quail Hollow.
McIlroy definitely missed Thursday’s “A” game at Quail Hollow and struggled all day with nothing to do.
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The 37-year-old will be playing in his first tournament since winning his second straight Masters in April.
It’s understandable that Rory McIlroy might be a little rusty at this week’s Truist Championship.
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But Northern Irish people love Quail Hollow. McIlroy’s first PGA Tour victory came in 2010 at the Truist Championship (formerly Wells Fargo Championship).
So it was a bit of a surprise to see him struggle to a 70 in the opening round on Thursday afternoon.
Rory McIlroy comments on his upcoming PGA Championship match in a week
McIlroy heads to Aronimink next week for the PGA Championship, aiming for his seventh major championship victory.
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Incredibly, McIlroy shot 18 pars in the first round at Quail Hollow on Thursday.
He was on track to finish the first round of his career with 18 pars until his first birdie of the day on the final hole.
And after the opener in North Carolina, McIlroy was asked to sum up his mood on the current game.
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“I hit the ball well and hit some good shots, so I felt like I was a little bit better than where I was, but I had three days left to catch up to everyone.“ McIlroy said.
“I never got frustrated (with his putts) and he was making good putts. Some days I just don’t want to go in.
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“No, it wasn’t. I was just trying to be patient because I felt like I was hitting some good putts and I read a few too many on the front side.
“Then, as a reaction to reading too much, I ended up reading too many books. I was just trying to start the ball on my line and make a good putt — more than a read.
“I needed to understand reading a little better. But by the end of the round, I felt like I was hooked.“
Rory McIlroy aims for the top of the PGA Championship
By the time the PGA Championship begins next week at Aronimink, McIlroy will undoubtedly be much sharper than he was Thursday.
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The 37-year-old will be looking to improve on his opening-day performance each day for the rest of the week in Charlotte.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone if he’s in one of the final groups at Quail Hollow on Sunday.
Rory McIlroy may not have been at his best on the first day of the Truist Championship, but there’s a strong chance he’ll be in top shape heading into the PGA Championship at Aronimink.
All he has to do is get some more reps on the practice range and a few more competitive rounds and he’ll be fine.
