Miss Rory McIlroy and his majestic golfing skills? Don’t worry. He’s back just in time for the year’s final major, the PGA Championship. McIlroy has been brilliant in this specific major in his career, but will his recently healed ankle hold up to continue his mastery? Read on as we list the top three reasons why the Irish hot shot can win the 2015 PGA Championship.
Don’t miss out on the hottest golfers about to take Whistling Straits by storm. Check out our previews for Jordan Spieth and Zach Johnson.
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Three Reasons Why Rory McIlroy Will Win the 2015 PGA Championship
Return of the King
Rory McIlroy suffered a complete rupture of an ankle ligament playing soccer (of all things) with his friends. He was out for five weeks with the injury, focusing all his efforts on healing and rehabilitating his ankle. McIlroy hasn’t logged a competitive round of golf in about two months, last taking the field in a ninth place finish in the U.S. Open.
[sc:Golf240banner ]McIlroy won’t be able to lay low in his return to competition. He’s playing the last major of the season grouped with the past two majors’ winners Zach Johnson and Jordan Spieth for the first two rounds. All eyes will be on the Irishman in this tournament. Thankfully, he was fantastic in his PGA Championship-winning run last season.
The defending champion shot an incredible back nine 32 for a three-under par 68 in the fourth round of last year’s PGA Championship. McIlroy eventually won the title with a 16-under 268, beating Phil Mickelson by one shot.
PGA Magic
Pressure will be high on McIlroy to recreate his success in the 2014 PGA Championship. He may be able to shake off the rust to shine at the year’s final major. The Irishman has been absolutely incredible in his recent appearances in the PGA Championship.
McIlroy’s 16-under par to win the PGA Championship last year was impressive. He also won it in 2012, after shooting an impressive six-under par 66 in the final round. McIlroy finished in the top 10 in three of his other four PGA Championship appearances, finishing third in 2009 and 2010 as well as eighth in 2013. He’s +800 to add another PGA Championship to his trophy case.
Year of the McIlroy
McIlroy could continue his PGA Championship success if he can continue on his splendid 2015 season before suffering his ankle injury. He’s finished in the top 10 in six of his eight starts this season. McIlroy has been incredibly hot recently with three top four finishes, including a win at the Wells Fargo Championship, in his last five tournaments.
McIlroy is scoring an average of 69.5 strokes after eight rounds in the majors this season. He’s scoring slightly better than his 69.6 scoring average last year and way ahead of 2012’s 71.9 — both of which were his PGA Championship winning years. He’s averaging 4.19 birdies per round this season, which could help keep his score down toward his third career PGA Championship. As comparison, the top 10 players in birdie average on tour are averaging a combined 4.14 per round.
Writer’s Prediction
McIlroy returns a bit too soon. He makes the cut but misses the top 10 in the PGA Championship. Create a betting account now and win some cash on the final golf major of the season.
