Pampling

McIlroy (72), the Australian Rod Pampling (66) and the Americans Ricky Barnes (70) and Jonathan Byrd (67) were tied for second at six under.

Rory McIlroy trails Steve Stricker after Memorial morning of pain 2011

McIlroy (72), the Australian Rod Pampling (66) and the Americans Ricky Barnes (70) and Jonathan Byrd (67) were tied for second at six under.

Rory McIlroy trails Steve Stricker after Memorial morning of pain 2011

Rod Pampling of Australia tees off at the fifth hole.

USATODAY.com - British Open '99 flop feeding Pampling's calm in New York 2003

In last year's rookie season, Pampling made 19 cuts in 29 events to earn $776,903.

USATODAY.com - British Open '99 flop feeding Pampling's calm in New York 2003

Pampling, on the other hand, has only been playing since he was 16.

USATODAY.com - British Open '99 flop feeding Pampling's calm in New York 2003

"It's just brutal, really," Pampling said of the rough.

USATODAY.com - British Open '99 flop feeding Pampling's calm in New York 2003

After taking a week off, Pampling tied for 24th at The International last week.

USATODAY.com - British Open '99 flop feeding Pampling's calm in New York 2003

"When you see guys like that win, it definitely gives you confidence that you can go out there and compete at the highest level," Pampling said.

USATODAY.com - British Open '99 flop feeding Pampling's calm in New York 2003

Phil Mickelson begins Day 2 at the PGA Championship tied for first with Rodney Pampling.

USATODAY.com - In year of first-timers, can Phil cash in? 2003

Pampling missed the cut in the next six tournaments and eight of the next nine.

USATODAY.com - British Open '99 flop feeding Pampling's calm in New York 2003