McIlroy eyes more major glory at PGA Championship, Scheffler ready for battle

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina : Finally free from the burden of chasing a career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy is a hot favourite at this week's PGA Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau are both looking for a third major triumph.

McIlroy, who secured the elusive Masters title to complete his collection of majors last month, will surely like his chances at Quail Hollow Club given he has enjoyed more success at the venue than any other player.

"I'm obviously going to feel more comfortable and a lot less pressure, and I'm also going back to a venue that I love," McIlroy said last week.

"It probably will feel a little bit different. I probably won't be quite as on edge as I have been for the last few years when I've been at major championships."

But world number one Scheffler and LIV Golf's DeChambeau will try to keep the Northern Irishman from securing the second leg of the calendar-year Grand Slam and arrive at the year's second major in solid form having both won their last starts.

World number five Justin Thomas has rounded into form right on time for his return to the site of his major breakthrough in 2017 while Jordan Spieth makes his ninth attempt at completing the career Grand Slam.

McIlroy, 36, has been virtually unstoppable at Quail Hollow, which he has long called one of his favourite courses and where last year he cruised to a five-stroke victory and record fourth title at the venue, which is a regular stop on the PGA Tour.

After vanquishing his Augusta National demons there is a sense that the unburdened Northern Irishman could be primed for a remarkable second phase to his career and add to his five major championship wins.

"This is a whole new world for him," said CBS Sports