Rory McIlroy in Fine Shape Heading into the PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy in Fine Shape Heading into the PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy will head into the upcoming PGA Championship as one of the bookmakers’ favourites to win the second major title of the season.

The Northern Irish golfer warmed up for the tournament with a sensational victory at the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club over the weekend.

His five-shot victory had the best betting sites in Ireland running for cover as punters snapped up the odds of 12/1 on McIlroy to emerge victorious at Valhalla.

He is now a best-priced 17/2 to win the PGA Championship for the third time in his career and it would be a brave move to back against him achieving the feat.

McIlroy trailed overnight leader Xander Schauffele by two shots after seven holes, but a run of four birdies and two eagles saw him surge clear of the American.

His final round of 65 moved him onto 17-under-par for the tournament and continued the excellent form he has displayed in recent weeks.

McIlroy won the Zurich Classic alongside Irish golfer Shane Lowry a fortnight ago and believes he has every chance of adding another major title to his CV at Valhalla.

“I really got some confidence winning in New Orleans with Shane,” McIlroy told Sky Sports. “Coming into this week, at a golf course I am comfortable with, my golf swing feels more comfortable than it has done.

“Going to a venue next week where I have won – it feels like the stars are aligning a little bit. But I have a lot of golf to play and a lot of great players to try to beat. I am going into the next major of the year feeling really good about myself.”

Despite leading the tournament for the first three days, Schauffele had no answer to McIlroy as he forged clear of the pack in the final round.

He ended the tournament at 12-under-par, three shots clear of South Korean star Byeong-Hun An who clinched third position.

Schauffele was gracious in defeat in the aftermath, and believes the Northern Irishman will be tough to stop at the PGA Championship.

“He’s Rory McIlroy, you know?” Schauffele said. “He hits it 350 yards in the air downwind and he has shorter clubs into firm greens than anyone else. When he’s on, he’s on. Hats off to him for winning.”

McIlroy will kick off his bid to win another PGA Championship on Thursday, but faces a tough task to get the job done in the face of some stiff competition.

The bookies’ favourite is world number one Scottie Scheffler, although the recent birth of his first child makes him a risky betting proposition given fatigue could be a factor.

Brooks Koepka commands respect as he strives to win the title for the fourth time in seven years and his recent victory at LIV Golf Singapore bodes well for his chances.

Collin Morikawa could also be competitive at longer odds, but McIlroy’s excellent recent form suggests he is the man to beat at Valhalla.