Rory McIlroy dismisses Masters criticism ahead of PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy has playfully dismissed criticism over his recent Masters preparations as he gears up for the PGA Championship following a scouting trip to Aronimink Golf Club.
The Northern Irishman faced accusations of unfairness last month after skipping tournaments to practice at Augusta National ahead of his successful title defence.
As attention shifts to Pennsylvania for the second major of the year, the 37-year-old was quizzed on his early scouting mission.
He joked that he had taken up residence at the host course to gain an advantage, before clarifying it was only a brief visit.
Early preparations for Aronimink test
“No, I lived there for a week. Just played it every day,” he told reporters.
He quickly corrected himself, adding that he merely travelled up and back on the same day to reacquaint himself with the layout.
The course previously hosted the BMW Championship in 2018, but the recent Truist Championship participant noted that conditions were vastly different during this latest visit.
“It was wet in 2018 and the greens didn’t play as fast or as severe as what I felt like they played last week.”
While acknowledging the course is not exceptionally long, he pinpointed the severe greens and tricky pin placements as its primary defences.
Managing the major schedule
Securing an early look at the Pennsylvania venue allows the back-to-back Masters champion to conserve energy during notoriously slow tournament weeks.
“Historically the practice rounds at the PGA can be excruciatingly long, so it’s probably going to just be nine holes Tuesday, nine holes Wednesday.”
His relaxed demeanour suggests that the scrutiny surrounding his major championship scheduling has not unsettled him.
A recent return to competitive action at Quail Hollow yielded a tied-19th finish following several weeks of rest.
A disappointing Saturday 75 derailed his chances of a record-extending fifth crown at the event, but a closing four-under-par 67 provided a timely boost of momentum.