PGA Championship: Rory McIlroy’s positive signs ahead of latest bid to end winless major run | Golf News

Rory McIlroy missed the cut at the Masters last month and is without a major win since winning the PGA Championship in 2014; Can McIlroy finish this run at Oak Hill? Watch live on Sky Sports all week long

Brad Faxon has helped Rory McIlroy bounce back from his disappointing streak and failed Grand Slam bid at the Masters and impress at the PGA Championship.

McIlroy missed the cut at The Players and saw his bid to complete the career grand slam end with a surprise early elimination at The Masters, both sides of a strong performance at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, and then had at his return to action difficulties the Wells Fargo Championship.

The former world no There are areas where he could still be successful. Take his encouragement before returning to Oak Hill.

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As Rory McIlroy prepares to win his first major title since the 2014 PGA Championship, take a look at the best moments from his final round at Valhalla

“There are a few things that I think are positive for Rory,” Faxon said Sky Sports. “He’s been to Rochester a lot as his wife Erica’s family is from here, so he’s been here before and played this golf course as it was designed after the restoration.”

“He was off last week with his longtime swing coach Michael Bannon who flew in for training and stayed here this week so he’s getting back to work in a way that’s familiar to him.”

“There was also a surprise call from Tiger Woods on Thursday last week. Tiger said ‘hey, let’s talk a little bit about your swing’ so he got a little tip from Tiger – anyone would assume that! Hopefully all that stuff.” Gele.

“I think Rory needs to prepare for that this week because it’s a course to follow in all facets of your game. However, it will be a bit easier for the stronger players because not everyone who beats him in the rough will be able to take him to the green.”

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According to Rory McIlroy, winning the US PGA Championship requires discipline at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester

Does pressure motivate McIlroy?

McIlroy admitted his “spiritual and emotional well-being” was one of the reasons he ditched the RBC Heritage the week after his missed cut at the inaugural Major of the Year, with the early exit ending a winless major streak from the year 2014 extended.

The Northern Irishman admitted he takes a different approach to approaching major tournaments when asked in his pre-tournament press conference ahead of the PGA Championship. Faxon was pleased to see the areas McIlroy is working on.

Rory McIlroy is chasing his first major win since 2014 at the PGA Championship this week

“Every great player puts himself under pressure,” added Faxon. “It’s a way to motivate them and get them going and the majors are doing that too, maybe to the detriment of some players.”

“McIlroy was asked what he was working on, his mental game, because that game is so mental, maybe more mental than anything else. He said, ‘I’m managing the expectations,’ which is really important.”

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Rory McIlroy gives a very brief answer to a question about the future of the pro game at a press conference ahead of the PGA Championship

“The players try to play in the present. They try to focus solely on the shot, the hole in the hand and the day’s routine, and also try to put everyone else’s thoughts aside.”

“It’s important to get off to a good start, but what Rory really proved at the Masters last year when he finished second in the final round with 64 points is that not every part of that game has to be perfect for him .” to fight.”

“So Many Good Storylines” in Oak Hill

McIlroy’s attempt to win the PGA Championship for a third time and his ambition to end his long major losing streak is one of many possible topics of conversation ahead of the tournament, and Faxon is excited to see who impresses.

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As Rory McIlroy prepares to win his first major title since the 2014 PGA Championship, take a look at the best moments from his final round at Valhalla

“I think there are so many great stories this week,” Faxon explained. “There’s Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler, both of whom are first and second in almost every category at the elite level, with both being very close.

“There is the unknown with Jordan Spieth and his wrist. will he play Will he be able to keep up? Will he be able to win the PGA and finish the Grand Slam? That would be remarkable.”

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Andrew Coltart believes there could be a chance for Jordan Spieth to win his Grand Slam if he stays under the radar at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester

“Could you have a LIV Golf win this week, maybe from the likes of Brooks Koepka or last week’s winner Dustin Johnson? If so, would they make the Ryder Cup team? That’s definitely interesting.”

“Can Phil Mickelson be a story? I don’t think it would have predicted anyone a few years ago that he would win the PGA and now let’s talk about him being a potential contender here after his second place finish at the Augusta National which came out of nowhere.

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After missing out on last year’s tournament, relive Phil Mickelson’s last appearance at the PGA Championship in 2021, when at 50 he became the oldest-ever major winner

“Could Justin Thomas defend and complete the three-point win? Can World No. 1 Rahm win and move further towards Grand Slam? There are also a number of players who have never won a major championship knocking on the door.”

“Patrick Cantlay is the highest ranked player not to win a major and Xander Schauffele seems to have his game at a great level. Viktor Hovland has come up a lot in the rankings and so has Tony Finau so it’s a wonderful group of players and we’re in a great part of the game.”

Follow the 105th PGA Championship live on Sky Sports all week long. Live coverage begins Thursday at 1pm on Sky Sports Golf.