The 16th at Quail Hollow could well decide the PGA Championship come Sunday evening.
A daunting 535-yard par four, it is playing as the hardest hole on the course and has already claimed some major scalps.
Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Xander Schauffele were paired together Thursday’s opening round and completed the 16th a combined six-over.
Masters champion McIlroy fell victim to the trees left of the fairway and carded his first double-bogey at Quail Hollow since 2010.
The good news for the Northern Irishman is that he went on to win that tournament 15 years ago.
Scheffler and Schauffele both found the water to join McIlroy in recording doubles.
It was quite the horror show from the day’s marquee group and Sky Sports commentator Nick Dougherty didn’t mince his words.
An ‘absolute pig’s ear’ was his damning verdict from the booth.
McIlroy will now be aiming to bounce back quickly and become the first player to win the first two majors of the year since Jordan Spieth in 2015.
He was one over halfway through his round, having started on the back nine, with two birdies and a bogey along with his wobble at 16.
Scheffler fought his way to level par through nine thanks to an eagle on 15 that was swiftly cancelled out soon later.
Schaufelle, meanwhile, headed for home two over with one birdie and a bogey as well as his double.
GettyThe Northern Irishman endured his worst hole at Quail Hollow for 15 years[/caption] GettyScheffler took a dip in the drink[/caption]Major champion Rich Beem, now a golf analyst, exclusively told talkSPORT that McIlroy has what it takes to accomplish a calendar slam and win The Masters, PGA Championship, US Open, and The Open in the same year.
“Of course he does,” Beem said.
“I mean, I think if we’ve watched him over the years, he most certainly does.
“Last year he had the US Open title in his sights and sadly let it slip, and we know how much that hurt him. Again, we always kind have to go back to the Masters and what that did for his confidence.
“All those disappointing finishes went out the window. Now it’s time to start building on new experiences, new wins, more wins.”
McIlroy is a huge fan of the North Carolina course where he has also triumphed in 2015 and 2021, although he may change his mind after his early struggles.
“All eyeballs should be on Rory going into Quail Hollow, considering his record there,” Beem said.
“There’s just whatever it is about it that strikes his eye and he just absolutely loves it, and is not afraid to pick it apart.
“He just has to get past a guy named Scottie Scheffler if he wants to do it all, because Scottie still is world No.1.”
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