Context:

Rory McIlroy is the center of attention at the US PGA Championship due to his recent Masters victory that completed his career Grand Slam, alongside his strong performances earlier in the year and his favorable history at Quail Hollow. Despite adverse weather conditions affecting practice sessions, McIlroy's powerful driving and stellar putting make him a formidable contender, admired and envied by peers like Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and others. His driving accuracy may not be the highest, but his distance and ability to gain strokes off the tee set him apart, especially on the long Quail Hollow course. Fellow golfers express both inspiration and jealousy over McIlroy's achievements, with Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas particularly motivated by his success. As weather conditions continue to impact the tournament, McIlroy's confidence and course history position him as a strong favorite to win the championship again.

Dive Deeper:

• Rory McIlroy's recent Masters win, completing his career Grand Slam, has placed him in the spotlight at the US PGA Championship, heightening expectations for his performance at Quail Hollow, where he has previously won four times.

• The inclement weather at Quail Hollow has disrupted practice sessions, but McIlroy's long driving range and precise putting skills are expected to give him an advantage on the course, which favors power over accuracy.

• Peers such as Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm have expressed admiration for McIlroy's game, with Scheffler highlighting his unmatched driving ability and Rahm noting his effective putting at Quail Hollow.

• Statistics reveal McIlroy as a top contender, with significant advantages in strokes gained off the tee and a remarkable scoring history at Quail Hollow, where he consistently outperforms the field.

• Other golfers, including Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, are both inspired and motivated by McIlroy's achievements, while Bryson DeChambeau looks forward to competing against him following their recent encounters.

• McIlroy's overall performance this season, combined with his affinity for Quail Hollow, positions him as a leading favorite in the tournament, despite the challenging weather conditions.

• The narrative of McIlroy's career and recent successes serves as both an inspiration and a point of competitive jealousy among his peers, driving them to elevate their own performances in pursuit of similar accomplishments.