VIRGINIA WATER, England (REUTERS) - World No. 2 Rory McIlroy suffered a late first-round meltdown in almost wintry conditions at Wentworth as he ballooned to a two-over 74 in the PGA Championship on Thursday.

With some players wearing beanies and thick mittens for protection against chilly eight degree temperatures and winds gusting up to 32kmh, it was Finn Mikko Ilonen who looked most at home as he grabbed the early clubhouse lead on five-under 67.

Italy's Matteo Manassero was in second place on 69 with former world No. 1 Martin Kaymer of Germany among a group of players on 70.