All eyes are on Rory McIlroy at the US PGA Championship at Valhalla, the venue for his last major championship victory a decade ago.
McIlroy understandably refused to talk about his private life in his pre-tournament press conference, which came the day after it emerged he had filed for divorce from his wife of seven years, Erica, on Monday.
That news broke less than 24 hours after McIlroy had claimed the Wells Fargo title at happy hunting ground Quail Hollow, spreadeagling the field with a magnificent six-under par final round.
McIlroy also won on his previous start before the 2014 US PGA at Valhalla, which could prove a good omen. The Northern Irishman is among the early starters in Kentucky, and will begin his challenge at 1.15pm UK time.
“I feel good,” McIlroy said. “Obviously had a great day on Sunday at a golf course that I’ve grown to love over the years and had a lot of success at, coming to a venue where I’ve had some success at before as well.
“Obviously get to go back to Quail Hollow every year. Don’t really get to come back here too much. Today was the first time I was on the golf course since 10 years ago, so it was good to refamiliarise myself with the place.
“The golf course is a little different than it was 10 years ago, a little longer. A couple little minor changes but for the most part pretty much the same that I can remember.”
Tiger Woods is also among the early starters, and the 15-time major champion will be given the time he needs to decide if he can commit to being Ryder Cup captain next year.
Scottie Scheffler took the first step to an unprecedented calendar year Grand Slam by winning the Masters, and the World No 1 will be the man to beat if his putter obliges. Xander Schauffele is in form but does not always get across the finish line, while Max Homa is well-fancied after a more promising major outing at Augusta.
