Scott Halleran(Photo by Scott Halleran/PGA of America via Getty Images)CHARLOTTE — Golf's “Drive for show, putt for dough” proverb has taken a punch in recent years. Advanced statistics have proven the long ball superior to the short game, and a rundown of the world's top 10 reflects this notion.
But, as we're so often told, majors are a different animal, and — at least with the American majors — what you do on the dance floor still means something. Which partially explains the current plight of Rory McIlroy.
This was supposed to be McIlroy's PGA to lose. Two wins at Quail Hollow with a runner-up to boot. The layout — open, long and wet — is the setup the 28-year-old has historically dominated. Throw in recent top-fives at Birkdale and Firestone, and planets seemed aligned for Rory to raise his third Wanamaker Trophy.
Instead, McIlroy should consider himself fortunate to make the weekend, needing birdies on his 16th and 17th holes to give him some breathing room..

Following a disappointing 72 on Thursday to begin the 99th PGA Championship, Rory McIlroy looked to jumpstart his second round at Quail Hollow's par-5 10th on Thursday. He wound up walking away with a par that might do more for his spirits than a birdie.
After McIlroy hit his opening drive right, he hit his second shot right of right. It got much, much worse, though, when his ball rolled some 50 yards down a cart path, leaving him a pretty lengthy and awkward third shot. But Rory responded with this remarkable recovery through the bushes and trees — and the gallery — that rolled just through the green. Check it out:
https://twitter.com/PGAChampionship/status/895988857350389761
McIlroy hit his ensuing pitch to tap-in range for a par that kept him at one over for the tournament. You know what they say: You drive for show, and you hit ridiculous recovery shots for dough. Or, something like that.
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