McIlroy turns 33, relives Major memories before defending title at Quail Hollow

Rory McIlroy celebrated his 33rd birthday on Wednesday with a trip to the site of his first major victory before defending his title at the Wells Fargo Championship.

The four-time major winner from Northern Ireland won his third Wells Fargo crown, and the 19th of his 20 career PGA titles, last May at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Because Quail Hollow is playing host to the Presidents Cup event between US and International teams in September, the PGA event was moved for one year to TPC Potomac at Avenel in suburban Washington.

It's a course McIlroy hadn't seen before playing 27 holes of practice ahead of Thursday's opening round.

"Any time you can defend a title, it's a nice thing to do," McIlroy said. "Obviously my success at this tournament has been at Quail Hollow and not here. Never played here before, never seen the venue.

"I guess as a replacement for Quail Hollow, it's a pretty nice one. From what I've seen the last couple days, I really like it. It's just a solid golf course. You can't really fake it around here. You've got to hit the ball really well."

The Avenel layout, a former PGA tournament host course, is located across the street from Congressional Country Club, where McIlroy won his first major title at the 2011 US Open and where he went on Wednesday to relive some of the memories from that breakthrough triumph.

"They gave me honorary membership and as a member I think it's only right I go over and at least show my face," McIlroy said.

"Yeah, 11 years ago does seem like a long time ago. It's a distant memory. I've watched it back so many times, I don't really remember the experience of it. I remember more just from watching on a laptop or a TV screen. It is cool. So good vibes from this area."

McIlroy