Rust-Free Rory McIlroy’s Steady Opening Round Leaves Door Open for Friday Run

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at Internationaled.org

Published: August 14, 2015

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There were a lot of questions about Rory McIlroy coming into this week at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin.

Was he really healthy enough to be playing? How rusty would he be? Could he defend his title and retain his spot atop the world rankings?

While we don't know the answer to that last question yet, after the first 18 holes of play at the PGA Championship, I feel comfortable saying the ankle is fine, and the rust is nonexistent.



McIlroy shot a 71 on Thursday, putting him at one under par and tied for 24th on the day, five strokes behind leader Dustin Johnson.

That's impressive considering the world No. 1 hadn't played any competitive golf since the U.S. Open almost two months ago, following an accident on July 4 when he tore a ligament in his left ankle.

It's also impressive considering McIlroy played in the afternoon Thursday, and most of the guys ahead of him, including Johnson, played in much easier conditions in the morning. In fact, he had the third-best score of the afternoon pairings.

"I was pretty nervous on the first tee," McIlroy admitted after the round in a press conference aired by TNT. 

However, he was adamant that the ankle felt great, just like he had assured the press corps it did in his practices leading up to the tournament. 

"The way I'm hitting the ball and the way I'm getting around the golf course, I have full confidence in it," he said.



McIlroy's round wasn't perfect, but considering he will get to play in the more favorable morning conditions on Friday, it was certainly good enough to keep him in this thing.

That's mainly because of his on-course resiliency. Playing with this year's wunderkind, 22-year-old Jordan Spieth, and British Open champion Zach Johnson, who shot a 71 and 75, respectively, McIlroy stayed steady throughout a tough round.

On the front nine, when h...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Golf

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