Rory McIlroy’s bid to win PGA Championship takes huge hit in first major since Masters victory

Rory McIlroy’s quest for back-to-back majors faces an early challenge as thunderstorms are forecast for the practice days at Quail Hollow ahead of the PGA Championship.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday’s warm-up sessions are all expected to be disrupted by inclement weather, potentially leaving players short on practice time before Thursday’s tee off.

The Northern Irishman, fresh from his emotional Masters triumph last month, may find his preparation hampered as Mother Nature threatens to intervene at the season’s second major championship.

McIlroy captured the imagination of the sporting world when he won his first-ever green jacket at Augusta National last month.

The triumph came after a dramatic play-off against fellow Ryder Cup team-mate Justin Rose.

It ended a long and at times painful wait for McIlroy, who had been pursuing the career grand slam since winning the 2014 Open at Royal Liverpool.

His celebrations told their own story, with McIlroy overcome with emotion, dropping to his knees in relief after sinking the final putt.

Since his Augusta triumph, McIlroy has carefully managed his tournament appearances.

This week’s Truist Championship at the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Golf Course marks his first solo tournament since donning the green jacket.

The Pennsylvania event could prove valuable preparation given the looming PGA Championship.

Ahead of the PGA Championship, McIlroy has offered his thoughts on how competitions could be more exciting.

“If the golf ball just went a little shorter, this course would be awesome,” he mused on Friday.

“Not that it isn’t awesome anyway, but right now for the distances we hit it, it’s probably 500 or 600 yards too short.

“It would be amazing to be able to play courses like this the way the architect wanted you to play them.”

Two years ago, a decision was made to introduce shorter golf balls from 2028 onwards.

This change is designed to make the game more challenging for players who can currently overpower traditional course designs.

Until then, however, McIlroy and his competitors will continue using regular golf balls as they navigate the upcoming PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.

The tournament represents McIlroy’s chance to claim consecutive major victories for the first time in his illustrious career.