Full Breakdown
Matt McCarty Takes Surprise Lead at Truist Championship Amid Weather Delay
5/9/2026, 6:05:23 AM
Opening Round Summary
American left-hander Matt McCarty opened the 2026 Truist Championship at Quail Hollow with an eight-under 63, gaining a one-stroke edge over South Korea’s Sungjae Im, who was on the 18th when play was halted by rain. Rory McIlroy, returning after a back-to-back Masters win, posted a one-under 70 after 17 consecutive pars and a late birdie. Defending champion Sepp Straka, Kristoffer Reitan, Nicolai Højgaard, Harry Hall and Nick Taylor were tied at five-under, while Cameron Young, Tommy Fleetwood and Alex Fitzpatrick posted four-under.
Data & Statistics
McCarty’s round featured 220 feet of putts—the most in a single round this season—and three putts longer than 50 feet (52 ft on 13, 59 ft on 16, 52 ft on 17), a first in the ShotLink era. He made nine birdies, six of them from within five feet. Im’s 7-under included a 7-foot eagle on the 7th.
Official Statements & Responses
McCarty credited recent lag-putting practice and said the rain slowed the greens to a pace that suited his game, noting that long putts helped his round. McIlroy observed that the softened greens and wet fairways favored his style, but emphasized that he was hitting good putts. Tournament officials suspended play due to inclement weather, citing player safety.
Criticism & Opposition
Justin Rose dropped his club in frustration after a missed approach, while Matt Fitzpatrick bristled at his caddie following a water-hazard mishap on the 7th. McCarty apologized for striking a ball close to the group ahead, saying he “didn’t see those guys” and hoped they were “not too upset.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Most outlets list McCarty’s score as 63, but one source records an 8-under 64. The total of 220 feet of putts is reported consistently, yet another description calls it “the most in a single round this season” without a precise figure. The number of players left to finish is given as 20 in some reports and 19 in others.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wasn't hitting it that great early, but you make a bunch of 50-plus footers and it kind of gets your day going.” — Matt McCarty, PGA Tour player
- “I spent a lot of time the last couple days lag putting on these greens because you know you’re going to have a lot of ‘club in’ and not be as close as normal,” — Matt McCarty
- “I wasn’t frustrated, I was hitting good putts,” — Rory McIlroy, world No. 2
- “I knew that I made so many pars, but I was thinking I can’t remember the last time I played a round of golf and didn’t have a birdie – I was like ‘just try to make one’,” — Rory McIlroy
- “Today was good, got off to the perfect start, an eagle on 10 was great," Fleetwood said.” — Tommy Fleetwood, England
What’s Next
The second round begins Friday at 10:30 a.m. ET, weather permitting. McCarty’s slim lead and the tightly bunched field set up a decisive weekend on Quail Hollow’s “Green Mile.”
