The six-time major champion arrives at Aronimink Golf Club this week for the 108th PGA Championship in a completely different mindset compared to last year, and he is not hiding it.
Why Does Rory McIlroy Feel Different This Year?
Last year McIlroy came to the PGA Championship carrying the weight of an unfinished mission. He had just completed the career Grand Slam at the 2025 Masters but had not yet reset his goals or found his next motivation.
“It probably took me a good few months to get to that point,” McIlroy admitted.
This year is different. Rory McIlroy successfully defended his Masters title in 2026 and took deliberate time off afterward to decompress and get mentally sharp for the summer majors.
“As I’ve said, coming into this tournament feels a lot different than what it did last year,” McIlroy said. “I feel like I’ve got some nice clear road ahead to try to get some more of these majors.”
His only start since Augusta was last week’s Truist Championship at Quail Hollow, where he finished tied 19th.
McIlroy’s Thoughts on Aronimink
McIlroy likes what he sees at Aronimink. He described the course as aggressive off the tee, with plenty of bunkers and variety in the par-4s.
“Strategy off the tee is pretty nonexistent,” he said. “It’s basically bash driver down there and then figure it out from there.”
But here’s the thing. The greens are where this week will be won and lost.
“The greens are the main focus this week,” McIlroy said. “Getting yourself in the right sections, making sure you leave yourself below the hole for the most part. That’s the key this week.”
With a dry week expected, approach play and putting will separate the contenders from the field.
What Has McIlroy Been Up to Since the Masters?
Rory McIlroy has had a busy few weeks away from the course.
He skipped the usual New York media tour after his Masters win but took a trip to the city with his wife. He also attended the State Dinner at the White House on April 28.
And in possibly the most unexpected cameo of the year, McIlroy appeared in The Devil Wears Prada 2, released in theaters on May 1. The connection? After winning the 2025 Players Championship, he revealed he had watched the original film the night before his final round.
With his mind clear and his game sharp, Rory McIlroy heads into the PGA Championship as the man everyone is chasing.
