Rory McIlroy is set to be the center of attention as the PGA Championship tees off on Thursday, with the spotlight firmly fixed on the Northern Irishman following his recent Masters triumph. Despite not needing a career grand slam to generate buzz, McIlroy always commands presence, especially at Quail Hollow, where he has won four times.
Fellow golfers like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau have pointed to McIlroy’s well-rounded game and power off the tee as key reasons for his dominance on this course. McIlroy, paired with Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele for the opening round, acknowledges that topping his Masters victory will be tough but remains driven to create more memorable moments.
Players are anticipating how the course conditions will evolve following bouts of rain throughout the week, including delays during practice rounds. Defending champion Schauffele hopes for drier weather to bring out the true character of Quail Hollow, while others, such as Justin Thomas, who won the 2017 PGA Championship at the same venue, are drawing from past successes for motivation.
Austria’s Sepp Straka, coming off a win at the Truist Championship, is focusing on maintaining momentum while managing fatigue, a challenge shared by many heading into a demanding major.
The importance of the PGA Championship isn’t lost on contenders like DeChambeau, who emphasized that performing well at majors requires a complete game and a bit of luck. Schauffele noted that precision and consistency, especially when recovering from tough spots, will be crucial to success over four rounds.
As the field of elite golfers prepares for the test ahead, the tournament is expected to come down to those who can blend skill with composure—and perhaps seize the breaks when they come.
ADD A COMMENT :