Rory McIlroy lets loose at Southern Hills to take early lead at USPGA 

Irishman fires a 5-under 65 to set early pace at Southern Hills

Ireland's Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the 16th hole during his first round of the US PGA at Southern Hills in Oklahoma. Picture: AP Photo/Eric Gay

A strong morning start at the PGA Championship was just what Rory McIlroy ordered, as the Irishman rode an early four-birdie run on the back and a hot driver to a 5-under 65 and an early one-shot lead at Southern Hills.

Playing with Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth in front of massive but well-behaved galleries, McIlroy came out blazing by taking aggressive lines off the tee and making full advantage of the wide fairways at Southern Hills.