Rory McIlroy remains in contention for US PGA behind leader Brooks Koepka

As Bryson DeChambeau was subjected to boos, Rory McIlroy rolled back the years and brought on the cheers. McIlroy’s demeanour after a first round of 71 at this US PGA Championship was so downbeat that the prospect of him claiming the Wanamaker Trophy for a third time felt about as likely as him signing up for LIV Golf. How easy it was to forget that nobody at the summit of this sport can flick their switch like Rory McIlroy.

This was a curious major afternoon. Oak Hill turned into Soak Hill as rain battered upstate New York. DeChambeau, one of LIV’s poster boys, was audibly heckled as he took to the first tee alongside fellow rebel Brooks Koepka. Crowds in this part of the United States are not known for their restraint but this was still a departure from the general atmosphere. Day four could be interesting; DeChambeau very much remains in the US PGA hunt. Koepka, seeking to atone for his heartbreak at last month’s Masters, heads the field at six under par. Koepka has backed up a 72 with two 66s. Viktor Hovland and Corey Conners share second at minus five, two clear of DeChambeau.

McIlroy wants to focus on his work inside the ropes rather than his leading role against the LIV threat. This is fair enough; golf and McIlroy mutually benefit when the Northern Irishman is at his best. The 34-year-old, who missed the cut at both the Players Championship and the Masters, was battling technical demons earlier in this major week.

Those flaws looked like haunting McIlroy again as he dropped shots at the 6th, 8th and 9th to counteract birdies at the 3rd and 5th. The response was of a man who believes he can end a wait for a fifth major which stretches back to this tournament in 2014. McIlroy birdied the 12th, 13th and 16th. He