McIlroy in the mood for more majors

22-year-old aims to become youngest double major champ since Sarazen

Time to follow through: Rory McIlroy tees off in the US PGA tonight confident he can secure a second major

A confident Rory McIlroy has revealed his game is in the shape to secure a second major title in this week’s US PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club.

Coming off the back of a top-ten finish in the WGC Bridgestone Invitational, the world No.4 feels he is returning to form at just right time.

“I’m playing very well,” said McIlroy. “I drove the ball great last week. I’m hitting it nicely.

“As long as I can hole a few putts this week, I feel as if I’m in with a good chance.”

“I get a great response from the crowds – I feel the reception I get is like an American player.”

Should the prodigious 22-year-old from Northern Ireland hoist the Wannamaker trophy come Sunday, McIlroy would become the youngest player to win two majors since Gene Sarazen nearly 90 years ago.

“This golf course is in phenomenal condition, and the fairways are probably the best I’ve ever seen. The greens are fast and you can’t really get the ball above the hole. It’ll be tricky from there.

“Most of all, it’s a straightforward golf course. Everything is out in front of you. You can make a few birdies around the turn and then you’ve just got to hang on for dear life coming in.”

Third on his only two previous appearances in the US PGA, McIlroy admitted it was an event that tended to match his style.

“I love how the PGA of America set the golf course up at this event. I think it really suits my game. It puts a premium on ball-striking and I’m looking forward to getting going.

“I’ve always thought as if this and The Masters would probably be the two that suited me most.

“I feel very comfortable in this country and playing on the types of golf courses over here. I also get a great response from the crowds – I feel the reception I get is like an American player.”

The US Open champion tees off at 1845 BST tonight in a group with stablemates, and this year’s fellow major winners, Charl Schwartzel and Darren Clarke.

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor