There is precedent for what Rory McIlroy will need to do at the PGA Championship to win, but he is not going to like what that is.

McIlroy came in as the co-favorite, but his long-time dominance didn't show up in the first round as he struggled to a 74

The world's top three players were grouped together, and only one — No. 1 ranked Scottie Scheffler — finished under par. Scheffler survived a pair of bogies and a double to card a 2-under 69. Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, had a rough go of it, carding a 3-over 74. Defending champ Xander Schauffele was one better at 2-over.