Inclement weather has hampered practice for the players at Quail Hollow Rory McIlroy is on pretty much everyone's mind at the US PGA Championship. The world number two would have been coming in to this week as one of the favourites in any normal year, but given he finallywon the Masters to complete the career Grand Slamlast month, the hype is justifiably in overdrive. Add to that his victories at Pebble Beach in February, the PGA Tour's flagship Players Championship in March and the fact he has won four times at this Quail Hollow course and it is easy to understand why. Jordan Spieth has been inspired; Justin Thomas is jealous; Bryson DeChambeau is itching for a rematch. World number one Scottie Scheffler would trade his own driving ability for McIlroy's at the North Carolina venue, while Jon Rahm wants his putting prowess. McIlroy, who has won two US PGA titles, is yet to speak to the media. He was scheduled to do so late on Tuesday but the storms that wrecked Monday's practice day returned to further disrupt his - and everyone else's - preparations and he will now answer questions at 13:30 BST on Wednesday. More than three inches of rain have fallen since Friday, which will make the fairways softer and therefore make the course play much longer, which may also play into McIlroy's hands. "There are little things that I look at in people's games that I can improve on," said Scheffler. "You look at a guy like Rory, you'd be hard-pressed to find anybody that has driven the ball better than he has in the history of the game. "Tiger had a ton of speed, but Rory has the accuracy to set him apart. Not only does he hit it really far, he hits it really straight." McIlroy won his fourth PGA Tour title at Quail Hollow in last year's Wells Fargo Championship The stats do not appear at first glance to fully back up Scheffler's claim, given McIlroy is well below the 2025 tour average of 59.5% in terms of accuracy off the tee, hitting 51.8% of fairways. However, he is the fourth-longest driver at 306 yards and tops the leaderboard for strokes gained off the tee, picking up nearly one shot on the field. By way of comparison, Collin Morikawa leads the accuracy stats at 73% of fairways hit, but is about 20 yards shorter per drive. Quail Hollow, which at 7,500-plus yards is the sixth longest on tour, rewards power over accuracy. Add into that McIlroy's confidence from a stellar start to the year and the fact he's at a course he loves and it is easy to see why he is front and centre in everyone's vision this week. McIlroy's statistics at Quail Hollow are staggering. His scoring average is 69.48 shots per round. That is a shot better than anyone else. In 14 tournaments, he has 10 top-10 finishes and one missed cut. He is 55 strokes further under par than any other player. According to the PGA Tour, he plays holes 7-10 and 15-17 better than anyone else. He is 18 shots better than the field on the seventh and almost 16 on the 16th. He is ranked as the fourth-best putter on the PGA Tour this season and sixth in scrambling. And he has generally putted well at Quail, a fact not lost on two-time major winner Rahm. "Based on the success he's had here, you almost have to go with some part of Rory's game," said the Spaniard when asked what part of his game he'd trade with any player. "A lot of people probably would [trade for] his driving on this golf course, but as a pretty good driver myself, I'm going to choose how well he's been able to putt on those greens." McIlroy became just the sixth player to win all four majors with his triumph at Augusta National - a result that has had Scheffler purring. "It was really cool to see Rory finish that off and to be there for that moment," said the two-time Masters champion. "He's a good buddy of mine out here, so I was happy for him. "It takes a lifetime of work to be able to even have a chance to win major championships, let alone win all four of them." Thomas, twice a US PGA winner -including at Quail Hollow in 2017- said McIlroy's victory was like a wake-up call. "I knew I always wanted to win the Grand Slam, but for some reason, watching somebody do it first-hand, reminded me I really do want to do that," he said. "It's weird. Any time someone wins that isn't me, if it's a friend, I'm happy for them. But there's always going to be a part of me that's jealous and wishes it was me." Spieth arrives this week in search of the only title missing from his majors resume. The 31-year-old Texan was the last player to win the first two of the year when he collected the Masters and US Open titles in 2015. He followed that with victory at Royal Birkdale in the 2017 Open Championship. But in eight previous attempts, he has been unable to complete the career Slam. "Watching Rory win after giving it a try for a number of years was inspiring," he said. "You could tell it was a harder win; most of the time he makes it look a lot easier. "I'd love to throw my hat in the ring and give it a chance come the weekend." Another American keen to add to his major tally of two this week is DeChambeau. The 31-year-old is enjoying a good run in the majors, having finished runner-up to Schauffele in last year's US PGA beforepipping McIlroy to the following month's US Open title. The pair were in the final Masters group at Augusta last month, and although DeChambeau faded out of contention, he is keen to "have another go at it" with McIlroy. "It's a golf course that sets up for his shot shapes pretty well, and it sets up well for mine, too," he added. "Maybe I do well, maybe I don't. But I'm certainly going to give it my all, and I know Rory is too." And the statistics suggest that if you finish above McIlroy on Sunday evening, you will likely be heading home with the Wanamaker Trophy.
'Inspired' and 'jealous' - US PGA contenders on McIlroy's form
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Rory McIlroy's Recent Success Draws Attention at US PGA Championship"
Bbc News
7.3
TruthLens AI Summary
Inclement weather has disrupted practice sessions for players at the US PGA Championship held at Quail Hollow, where Rory McIlroy's recent form is at the forefront of discussions. As the world number two, McIlroy has garnered immense attention after winning the Masters last month, completing a career Grand Slam. His impressive track record includes victories at Pebble Beach and the Players Championship earlier this year, alongside four wins at Quail Hollow itself. Competitors like Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have expressed feelings of inspiration and jealousy, respectively, while Bryson DeChambeau is eager for a rematch with McIlroy. Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, has acknowledged McIlroy's driving prowess, suggesting he would trade his own skills for McIlroy's exceptional ability at this venue. Despite his accuracy off the tee being below average, McIlroy's distance and performance statistics at Quail Hollow indicate he is a formidable contender this week. His scoring average at the course is outstanding, with ten top-10 finishes in 14 tournaments, and he has notably excelled on specific holes, further solidifying his reputation as a player to beat.
The impact of McIlroy's recent success has resonated with other players in the field. Spieth, who seeks to complete his own career Grand Slam, found McIlroy's victory inspiring and is motivated to pursue his own title aspirations this week. Thomas described McIlroy's achievement as a wake-up call, rekindling his desire to win all four majors. DeChambeau, who has been in close competition with McIlroy, is also eager to challenge him at Quail Hollow, noting that the course suits both their playing styles. With the course's length and McIlroy's confidence, competitors understand that finishing above him will likely lead to winning the Wanamaker Trophy. As the tournament progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on McIlroy, and the anticipation builds around whether he can capitalize on his recent momentum and past successes at Quail Hollow to secure another major title.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the current buzz surrounding Rory McIlroy ahead of the US PGA Championship, particularly in light of his recent victory at the Masters and past accomplishments at Quail Hollow. It presents a mix of admiration and envy from his fellow contenders, showcasing their respect for his skills while emphasizing the competitive atmosphere of the event.
Purpose of the Article
This article aims to build excitement around McIlroy's performance and the upcoming championship. By focusing on the reactions of other top players, it serves to elevate the narrative of McIlroy as a leading figure in the sport, generating anticipation for his potential success.
Public Perception
The article seeks to create a sense of admiration for McIlroy while simultaneously fostering a competitive spirit among his peers. It portrays him as not just a player but a benchmark within the sport, which may inspire upcoming golfers and engage fans. The language emphasizes the high stakes involved, contributing to a thrilling atmosphere surrounding the tournament.
Potential Hidden Agendas
While the article does not explicitly hide information, it could be seen as selective in its focus. By concentrating on McIlroy's achievements and the admiration from other players, it may downplay any criticisms or challenges he faces, thereby shaping a more favorable public image of him.
Manipulative Elements
The article leans into emotional language and competitive rivalry, which could be construed as manipulative. By highlighting envy and admiration, it stirs up excitement and possibly sets up expectations for McIlroy that might not align with the reality of competitive sports. The comparisons to other top players may serve to exaggerate McIlroy's standing in the sport.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The article appears to be grounded in facts regarding McIlroy's recent performances and the opinions of fellow competitors, lending it credibility. However, the selective focus on positive aspects and competitive feelings might create a bias. Thus, while the information is reliable, the portrayal may be somewhat skewed.
Community Support
This coverage is likely to resonate with golf enthusiasts, fans of McIlroy, and those invested in the competitive dynamics of the sport. It targets an audience that thrives on competition, admiration for skill, and the excitement of high-stakes events.
Economic and Market Implications
Given McIlroy's prominence, his performance can influence golf-related markets and endorsements. A strong showing at the PGA could boost merchandise sales, ticket sales for future events, and even impact stocks of companies associated with golf.
Global Context
While the article centers on a sporting event, it reflects broader themes of competition and excellence, relevant in various contexts. The excitement around McIlroy can serve as a unifying factor for fans globally, although it does not directly address current geopolitical issues.
Use of AI in Writing
It’s possible that AI tools were used for drafting or editing this article, given the structured presentation of information and focus on key players’ quotes. AI models could assist in streamlining the narrative and enhancing clarity, particularly in conveying competitive sentiments.
Conclusion
The article effectively captures the excitement and competitive spirit of the PGA Championship while positioning McIlroy as a central figure in the narrative. It serves to engage audiences and generate interest in the event while presenting a somewhat idealized view of the competition.