Scheffler, McIlroy, Schauffele double-bogey No. 16 at PGA Championship - ESPN

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The top three golfers in the world combined to make a triple-double Thursday in the opening round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club, and it wasn't the good kind.

World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler, reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy and defending PGA Championship winner Xander Schauffele, who were playing together, each made a double-bogey 6 on the par-4 16th hole, their seventh hole of the day after they started on the back nine.

«I kept the honor after making a double,» Scheffler said. «Probably the first and last time that'll happen in my career, unless we get some crazy weather conditions.»

Scheffler recovered to post a 2-under 33 on the front nine and was tied for 14th at 2 under when he walked off the course. Schauffele picked up a birdie on No. 8 and was tied for 60th at 1 over. McIlroy carded two more bogeys and was tied for 85th at 3 over.

Ryan Gerard was the overall leader midway through Thursday afternoon at 5-under. European Ryder Cup team captain Luke Donald, 47, was among four players tied for second at 4-under.

The 535-yard 16th hole is the longest par-4 on the course, and it proved to be a challenge for each of the world's best three golfers.

McIlroy, who became the sixth golfer to complete the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters last month, had the biggest adventure on the 16th. He wildly hooked his 331-yard drive into trees on the left. His ball probably would have ended up in water if the rough wasn't extra long and thick because of this week's rain.

McIlroy was left with an awkward second shot from a sidehill. His back foot slipped as he swung his club, and his ball went only 65 feet onto another hill. McIlroy's third shot from 206 yards was short and right of