RORY McIlroy is transitioning back to the regular rhythm of professional golf at this week’s Truist Championship, a prominent signature event on the PGA Tour at the Philadelphia Cricket Club.
The tournament marks McIlroy’s first individual competition since his momentous victory at the Masters, a triumph that solidified his place among the elite as only the sixth golfer in history to achieve a career grand slam.
Following his Masters win, McIlroy partnered with fellow Irishman Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic last month, where they finished in a respectable 12th position. Now, after a brief period away from competitive play, he is eager to return to familiar territory.
“I’m excited to get back to being a golfer,” McIlroy stated, reflecting his anticipation for the week ahead. “It’s nice to get back into the routine again and get back to what I know how to do.”
McIlroy arrives at the Truist Championship not only as a recent major champion but also as the defending champion and a four-time winner of this very event.
The accomplished 36-year-old has indicated that the celebrations surrounding his Masters victory are now behind him, and his focus is firmly set on the upcoming months of competition.
His immediate attention is directed toward the Truist Championship, which commences on Thursday (Friday, May 9, 2025, PH time). Having previously secured victories at this tournament in 2010, 2015, 2021, and 2024, McIlroy faces a unique situation where he cannot defend his title on the same course as the previous year’s win.
This year, the event has been relocated to the Philadelphia Cricket Club as the tournament’s traditional venue, Quail Hollow in North Carolina, is currently preparing to host the prestigious PGA Championship next week.
Reflecting on this unusual circumstance, McIlroy commented, “The last two times I’ve won the Truist Championship, I haven’t been able to defend on the same golf course the next year. We won in ’21 and then played Potomac, and won last year and then we’re here. So it doesn’t quite feel like a defense.”
Notably absent from this signature event is the current world No. 1, Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler is coming off a victory last week at his hometown Byron Nelson tournament, where he not only won but also matched the PGA Tour’s 72-hole scoring record, further solidifying his position at the top of the world rankings.
However, the field does include the third-ranked Xander Schauffele, who is returning to competition for the first time since his tie for 18th place at the RBC Heritage in April. Schauffele will be looking to fine-tune his game this week as he prepares to defend his PGA Championship title next week.
Adding further star power to the event is Justin Thomas, who is coming off a recent victory at the RBC Heritage. His current ranking at No. 5 in the world is his highest since he held the same position back in 2022, indicating his strong form. / From the wires