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Rory McIlroy frustrated by first round at BMW PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy hits off the 13th tee during the first round of the BMW PGA Championship at Britain's Wentworth Golf Club on May 21.

Rory McIlroy hits off the 13th tee during the first round of the BMW PGA Championship at Britain’s Wentworth Golf Club on May 21.

(Glyn Kirk / AFP/Getty Images)
By David Wharton
Staff WriterFollow
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Suffice to say that Rory McIlroy was not a happy camper at the start of the BMW PGA Championship on Thursday.

The world’s No. 1-ranked golfer started his title defense at Wentworth in England with a mediocre 1-under 71 that he blamed on mental fatigue.

“I could feel myself getting a little angry out there,” he told reporters. “I feel like my patience was wearing a bit thin today.”

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This is the fourth straight week that McIlroy has played. He isn’t the only one to feel a bit overwhelmed by the schedule.

Earlier this week, Martin Kaymer suggested that the BMW -- a premier event on the European Tour -- consider switching to a later date.

As first-round play drew to a close, Francesco Molinari held the lead at 6-under, with Robert Karlsson one stroke back.

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David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

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