McIlroy opened his campaign at Quail Hollow with a disappointing three-over-par 74. Despite beginning with a birdie on his first hole, the par-five 10th, the Northern Irishman struggled to find rhythm.

There was a moment during Rory McIlroy’s Wednesday press conference at Quail Hollow that illustrated how he has morphed from a man who needs to a man who wants. Needs are essentials without which one is lost.

Rory McIlroy shot a first-round 74 at the PGA Championship, returning to his major championship struggles after his first Masters win.