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Strong field takes on bunker-filled challenge at PGA Championship
TL;DR
Rory McIlroy returns to the PGA Championship a year after a disappointing tie for 47th, now rejuvenated by a Ryder Cup win and a second Masters title despite a toe injury.
Key points
- Rory McIlroy tied for 47th at last year's PGA Championship
- He won a Ryder Cup and his second Masters title in the past year
- McIlroy is facing a toe injury ahead of this year's tournament
- The PGA Championship is at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, PA
Mentioned in this story
Aronimink Golf ClubNewtown Square, Pennsylvania
Rory McIlroyPGA Championship
Newtown Square, Pa. — One year ago, Rory McIlroy arrived at the PGA Championship unsure of the next Everest he would climb.
The Northern Irishman was playing his first major since ending a 10-year drought and completing the career Grand Slam in dream fashion at the Masters. He settled for a tie for 47th.
Rory McIlroy during a practice round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Aronimink Golf Club.
Twelve whirlwind months later, following a Ryder Cup victory and a second Green Jacket, McIlroy is rejuvenated and unlikely to let something like a nagging toe ailment hold him back.
McIlroy and defending champ Scottie Scheffler headline the strongest field of the year, with 97 of the top 100 golfers in the world on site at Aronimink Golf Club for the PGA Championship beginning Thursday.
"Coming into this tournament feels a lot different than what it did last year," McIlroy said of his level of motivation. "I feel like I've got some nice clear road ahead to try to get some more of these majors."
McIlroy's second Masters marked his sixth major championship; a seventh this week would tie him with the likes of Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead and Bobby Jones.
He cut short his Tuesday practice round on the fourth hole because of discomfort from a blister on his right pinky toe, which he said he's had since last Friday. McIlroy was back on the course Wednesday and is expected to compete.
Aronimink has hosted just one men's major before, the 1962 PGA Championship won by Gary Player. It was the site of the 2020 Women's PGA Championship and the 2018 BMW Championship won by Keegan Bradley.
Renovated by Gil Hanse in 2018, the par-70, 7,394-yard course has far fewer trees than it once did, something players have noted. Aronimink makes up for that with an estimated 174 bunkers, including 20-plus on the par-4 11th hole alone. Many approach shots are uphill to difficult, sloped green complexes.
"Strategy off the tee is pretty nonexistent. It's, basically, bash driver down there and then figure it out from there," McIlroy said. "… The greens are the main focus this week, and I think getting yourself in the right sections of the greens, making sure you leave yourself below the hole for the most part. That's the key this week."
Q&A
What was Rory McIlroy's performance at last year's PGA Championship?
Rory McIlroy tied for 47th place at last year's PGA Championship.
How has Rory McIlroy's career progressed since last year's PGA Championship?
Since last year's PGA Championship, McIlroy has won a Ryder Cup and secured his second Masters title.
What challenges is Rory McIlroy facing at the PGA Championship this year?
This year, McIlroy is dealing with a nagging toe ailment but remains optimistic about his performance.
Where is the PGA Championship being held this year?
The PGA Championship is being held at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
