Rory McIlroy off the pace after wayward first round at US PGA Championship

The Masters champion was a long way from his Augusta form in an opening 74 at Quail Hollow.

Rory McIlroy struggled in his opening round. Pic: Matt York/AP

Masters champion Rory McIlroy faces an uphill battle to claim back-to-back major titles after an error-strewn opening round in the 107th US PGA Championship.

McIlroy struggled to a three-over-par 74 to trail clubhouse leaders Luke Donald, Ryan Fox, Alex Smalley and Stephan Jaeger by seven shots, with England’s Matt Fitzpatrick and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre on three under.