In some years, Rory McIlroy's six-over first round wouldn't be a deal-breaker. A couple of good rounds in a row, and McIlroy could have been working his way back into contention by Sunday.
But with the field going low on a favorable Erin Hills course, McIlroy will likely need a well-under-par score on Friday just to make the cut. McIlroy sits in a tie for 145th place after carding an ugly 78 on the par-72 course. He's 13 strokes behind Rickie Fowler, who is currently one stroke ahead with players still on the course.
Pundit ArenaMcIlroy: The fairways are 60 yards wide.