Piercy pounces at PGA as Lingmerth fades

Earlier that summer he took a three-shot lead into the final round of the US Open at Pebble Beach and did not win. Back in 1992, when finally claiming the US Open, Tom Kite famously admitted to “lying to the public for years” about being nonplussed by an inability to convert major chances.

Jordan Spieth backed Rory McIlroy to increase the pressure on Dustin Johnson when the 97th US PGA Championship resumed at Whistling Straits on Friday.

Asked how the ankle fared following his first competitive round, McIlroy said: “Fine, just as it is walking 18 and practicing”. “It’s only the first round”.

More on his mind than what happened five years ago is what happened the past two months in the majors.

Round 1 was a draw.

Throw of the day: John Daly hit three tee shots into Lake Michigan on the par-3 seventh, then flung his 6-iron into the drink behind them for good measure. Rory McIlroy, ranked No. 1 in the world, returned to action for the first time since rupturing an ankle ligament on July 4. But it was a big one.

McIlroy rolled up a trouser leg and waded in, splashing the ball to some six feet and making the par putt. But, he said, when you throw a club, it shows you care.

Day birdied the second, fifth and sixth holes, gave one back on the ninth before a run of three straight birdies from the 11th had the Queenslander charging. But it was fine. Maybe I am a little bit rusty around the greens. “I just had to remember to hit it hard, and I was very fortunate to escape with a par there”. “I’m pleased with under par”.

It was a shot that looked better with every angle. But a nightmare second shot from just off the green would lead to a disappointing three-putt for a double bogey six. “I have full confidence”.

“In Japan, I don’t shoot a long iron a lot, but here I have to, ” he said.

And then he started to press, and it almost cost him. Day was through 14 holes, while Jones finished 12.

“Seemed like there was nothing”, Spieth said Thursday.

The wind took a toll of the scores.

As was the case in the first round, the early starters on Friday were expected to benefit from calmer conditions at Whistling Straits before the winds begin to strengthen in the afternoon. He was 3 over for the tournament heading to the back nine when he reeled off five birdies and an eagle to complete a 63. He couldn’t help but think of St. Andrews.

“It did cross my mind but that was it”.

There were moments of excellence from the world No2, including a chip-in at the 12th for birdie and his lasered approach to four feet to set up another birdie at the par-five 16th.

The season is nearly over for Tiger Woods.