It was an adventurous round but one that ended the way Rory McIlroy wanted as the No. 3 player in the world shot a 5-under 67 to get in the mix at the 2024 BMW PGA Championship in Surrey, England. McIlroy, who fell one shot short of a playoff last week at the Irish Open in his home country of Northern Ireland after three putting the 71st hole, picked up where he left off by making four birdies in his first six holes and going out in 31.
He made two more birdies early on his back nine, one of which happened on the par-5 12th hole where his clubhead flew off during an approach shot. McIlroy said he completely lost sight of the golf ball because he was so stunned by the clubhead, but it trickled to 7 feet, which he missed for eagle.