Favourite Rory McIlroy had an injury worry early in his bid for the US PGA title in Atlanta.
The 22 year old US Open champion jarred his right wrist playing a shot from close to a tree root on the third hole.
He was given an ice pack before continuing, but was still clearly in pain as he played a bunker shot on the same hole.
After starting with two pars he bogeyed to be eight behind leader Steve Stricker, whose seven under 63 equalled the major record.
McIlroy was still hurting as he played the fourth and long fifth and was given a long examination before being assured he could go on without risking serious injury.
The World Number Four then got up and down from a bunker for a birdie that took him back to level par, but his hand came off the club again as he drove at the next.
Favourite Rory McIlroy had an injury worry early in his bid for the USPGA title in Atlanta.
The 22-year-old US Open champion jarred his right wrist playing a shot from close to a tree root on the third hole.
He was given an ice pack before continuing, but was still clearly in pain as he played a bunker shot on the same hole.
After starting with two pars he bogeyed to be eight behind leader Steve Stricker, whose seven under 63 equalled the major record.
McIlroy was still hurting as he played the fourth and long fifth and was given a long examination before being assured he could go on without risking serious injury.
The world number four then got up and down from a bunker for a birdie that took him back to level par, but his hand came off the club again as he drove at the next.
Ian Poulter, who carded an opening round 74, tweeted his concern for McIlroy: "Rory shot on three was risky, hope his wrist is okay. Never easy to play with a strain especially how hard he hits it."
However, PGA Tour physio Digby Watt predicted the US Open champion would be able to complete his round.
He told Sky Sports News: "From what we can tell it looks like he should be okay.
"The nerve that runs through his hand all the way up to his shoulder could be a bit irritated - we hope it's not too bad.
"It's hard to tell but you can play through those. Hopefully he's ruled out any fractures or tears and as long as he ices it he should hopefully be able to get through the round without any damage."
Colin Montgomerie also believes McIlroy will not want to give in to the injury.
He said: "He wants to win two majors this year so he's confident and wants to play - as a 22-year-old you do want to play golf.
"But there's a sense of sensibility going on here. He has been given confidence and the physios have said he won't do any permanent damage or any more damage by playing...there doesn't seem to be any ligament damage or fracture.
"He's playing remarkable golf. Let's hope he can get in tonight under par and give himself a chance.
"Anti-inflammatories can only help. If he's having difficulties he can speak to the physios - the guys are real professionals."
The 2010 Ryder Cup captain, now a pundit for Sky Sports, added: "I feel sorry for his playing partners - and all the furore at this time takes away from a fantastic round for Steve Stricker and the demise of Tiger Woods. This has become our story."
