Rory McIlroy revealed he almost missed competing at the PGA Championship after suffering with a bad back. It was in 2010 when the Northern Irishman was told by a doctor to withdraw from the major in order to rest for several weeks.

It was a special year for the five-time major who claimed his maiden PGA Tour victory at Quail Hollow Club when he captured the Truist Championship five months before competing in the event he would later win twice (2012, 2014). Aiming to capture the third of his career this week at that very same club weeks after his Masters triumph, the 36-year-old looked back on his PGA Championship experience 15 years ago and just how close he came to missing it.

During his press conference before the commencement of the tournament this Thursday, McIlroy was asked what he remembers about the event in 2010, to which he revealed he almost didn't play a part in it. "Yeah, I wasn't even supposed to play this tournament in 2010. I had missed the cut at the Masters, and I was struggling with a bad back.

"I went and got an MRI scan when I went home, and it showed some, like, edema and stress around L4-L5, and the doctor told me it's probably better if you rest for a few weeks and not play. The weekend before, I played a round of golf at Royal Portrush, and I played really, really well, and I was sort of – I felt like my back was feeling a little bit better, and I came over here excited. I came over here excited to play."

Despite the lack of 100% fitness, McIlroy put on a fine showing, finishing in third place and was just one shot outside of competing in a playoff between Bubba Watson and the eventual victor in Martin Kaymer.

The Belfast-born golfer also reminisced about his Truist Championship win that came just three years after turning professional. He spoke of the significance of that moment and how it's continued to motivate him and contribute to his consistent performances in North Carolina.

"I think those important things, the first -- whether it's your first win or first major whatever it is, those things stay with you, and I think part of the reason that I've played so well here since is I had such that positive momentum, those positive memories, and every time I come here, I just have -- those good feelings get rekindled," he added. "It's been a good place for me."

However, during Thursday's first session, McIlroy has struggled to keep up with the pack, and fell to 2 shots over par (+2) during his opening round, while Ryan Fox showed early promise as he got to a score of five under par (-5).