Aaron Rai shrugs off early nerves to outshine playing partner Rory McIlroy

US PGA champion shoots first-round 66 at Wentworth Ryan Fox and Patrick Reed also lay down early markers What do you get for shooting 60 in a pro-am? Just ask Rory McIlroy.

“Nothing,” said the Masters champion.

“Besides a social media post I didn’t want.” McIlroy was laughing but the underlying sentiment was obvious; exceptional rounds are best saved for the real stuff.

News that McIlroy had taken only 60 shots around Wentworth’s West Course while in the company of celebrities was a hot topic for conversation going in to this PGA Championship.

McIlroy shrugged off the score as something he produces fairly regularly.

“It doesn’t mean anything,” he added.

“My playing partners were happy, they won something.” Continue reading...