Rory McIlroy won his first major title in record-breaking fashion at the PGA Championship in 2012, with Tiger Woods among those left impressed by the Northern Irishman
Tiger Woods was full of compliments for Rory McIlroy when the Northern Irish golfer clinched his first of two PGA Championships at Kiawah Island.
McIlroy, having recently achieved the career Grand Slam with a victory at the Masters in Augusta, earned his inaugural PGA Championship win in South Carolina with a record-setting eight-shot margin. His performance was one of the most astonishing major showings, pitting him against top players like Keegan Bradley, Ian Poulter, and Justin Rose.
McIlroy’s triumph had echoes of Woods’ own dominance, as he secured the title donning a championship Sunday red polo – a signature look of the 82-time PGA Tour champion. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler has had his say on playing alongside McIlroy at this year’s tournament.
Following the event, Tiger acknowledged Rory’s skills. “He’s very good. We all know the talent he has,” Woods stated back then.
“He went through a little spell this year, and I think that was good for him. We all go through those spells in our careers. He’s got all the talent in the world to do what he’s doing. And this is the way that Rory can play. When he gets it going, it’s pretty impressive to watch.”
Now, thirteen years later, McIlroy is seeking yet more triumphs at the PGA Championship, riding the high from his recent end to a major drought at Augusta National.
The Northern Irishman is pegged as a joint-favorite with Scottie Scheffler, who’s had his fair share of triumphs at Quail Hollow. McIlroy boasts four PGA Tour wins on the Charlotte course, including last year’s victory at the Wells Fargo Championship, just ahead of the current defending champ, Xander Schauffele.
“I’m obviously going to feel more comfortable and a lot less pressure [after winning The Masters], and I’m also going back to a venue that I love,” he shared about the PGA at the Truist last week. McIlroy is riding high on good vibes for the upcoming week, buoyed by his recent win and his stellar record at Quail.
“Yeah, 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. I’ll probably be a little bit better to be around for my family, and I’ll be a little more relaxed. I think overall it will be a good thing.”
Meanwhile, Woods, a four-time PGA champion, won’t be hitting the greens this week. At 49, Woods is still recovering from an Achilles injury he picked up during training in March.
This is just the latest setback in a string of injuries for the PGA Tour veteran, who has only managed to complete 72 holes of competitive golf four times since he was involved in a near-fatal car accident in February 2021.
He was slated to make his comeback at the Genesis Invitational in February, but decided to withdraw after the death of his mother.
