Rory McIlroy enters the PGA Championship with renewed confidence after a crucial range session corrected the 'left miss' that plagued him during the final rounds of the Truist Championship. The world No. 2, who won The Masters just a month ago, is aiming for a second major in 2026 and his seventh overall.
McIlroy's third-round 75 at Quail Hollow Club—his highest score since last June—was a stark contrast to his dominant start. The Northern Irishman admitted that a persistent left-to-right wind during practice rounds had caused him to aim left, closing the clubface at impact. 'I started to hit it left yesterday with everything,' McIlroy said after shooting a final-round 67. 'I spent a good bit of time on the range last night just trying to straighten it out.'
The post-round session echoed his approach at Augusta National, where a similar practice following a shaky third round helped him recover a six-shot lead to win the Green Jacket. 'Exact same thing, so just have to straighten that out. That's sort of my bad habit at the minute,' McIlroy said, analyzing the mechanical flaw.
The 37-year-old attributed the issue to practicing in a left-to-right wind all week. 'Hitting balls in that wind the last five or six days, I just started to miss some left on the course. I was trying to figure it out on the range last night, which I felt like I did, and I hit the ball much better.'
McIlroy's swing adjustments are critical as he prepares for Aronimink Golf Club, venue for this week's major. He made a scouting trip to the course, joking 'I lived there for a week.' The layout suits his game: 'It seems like there's going to be a lot of drivers, a lot of wedges, especially on the front nine. Back nine starts to get a little tougher, but big, slopey greens—you've got to have your wits about you.'
Despite a blister on his right little toe that caused discomfort over the weekend, McIlroy confirmed he will be at full fitness. The injury did not affect his final-round recovery, and he expects to practice Monday at home before playing nine holes each on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The six-time major champion is no stranger to overcoming pre-tournament adversity. His victory at The Masters came after skipping three PGA Tour events to practice at Augusta, a decision that sparked debate but ultimately paid off. Now, with a similar range fix in place, McIlroy looks to join an elite club of players who have won multiple majors in the same season.
The PGA Championship marks the 12th anniversary of McIlroy's second major victory at Kiawah Island. He enters as a pre-tournament favorite, seeking to become the first player to win the Masters and PGA in the same year since Tiger Woods in 2000. 'I'm excited for it,' McIlroy said. 'Excited to get up there and have another go at a major championship.'
History suggests that McIlroy's range sessions are more than just practice—they are turning points. From Augusta to Quail Hollow, the ability to self-correct has defined his career. If the fix holds at Aronimink, the golf world may witness another chapter in his storied resurgence.
Based on reporting from Sky Sports.