Rory McIlroy :: Ankle ‘feels even better’

• Rory McIlroy dispels any fitness doubts ahead of the US PGA
• Was seen running up and down steps during practice round
• “My ankle feels even better,” declared the 26-year-old

Rory McIlroy has banished any fitness doubts heading into the US PGA Championship by saying his ankle ‘feels even better’ as he prepares for his title defence.

The 26-year-old hasn’t been seen playing competitive golf since the US Open after rupturing a ligament in his left ankle in a kick about with friends on July 4, which forced him to miss out on the defence of his Open title at St Andrews.

But, after being seen running up and down steps and playing shots from tricky lies in practice rounds over the past few days, McIlroy showed no signs of discomfort and believes his ankle is in great shape after a speedy rehabilitation process.

“My ankle feels even better when I swing hard at the ball” – Rory McIlroy

“If anything, my ankle feels even better when I swing hard at the ball,” Rory McIlroy told the Daily Mail. “I’ve played a lot of golf since then , just finding the middle of the clubface again. I’ve been chipping and putting basically since it happened, with my protective boot on.”

As well as being the defending champion of the tournament, another factor in McIlroy’s desire to return this week was the venue, Whistling Straits, where he finished in a tie for third back in 2010.

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And the Northern Irishman has been pleased with his performances on the course during practice rounds and expects to be well in the mix come Sunday night.

“That’s why I have been playing just one ball in practice and keeping a score,” he said. “I played 72 holes in Portugal last week and then I played here on Saturday and Sunday. were pretty good.

“I do think it helps when you come back to a place where you’ve played well. I like the course, it fits my eye.”

Rory McIlroy :: Can he win?

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