Rory McIlroy has a clear game plan for this week's PGA Championship at Aronimink: "Bash driver down there and..." It's a simple strategy, but then again, McIlroy's approach to major preparation has always been anything but complicated. The four-time major winner skipped starts at the RBC Heritage, Zurich Classic, and Cadillac Championship—two of which were signature events—to focus on a venue he's only seen once before, at the 2018 BMW Championship.
This dedication echoes his winning formula from earlier this year. After practically living at Augusta National before successfully defending his Masters title last month, McIlroy knows the value of an advanced look. He first learned this lesson back in 2011, when Jack Nicklaus urged a then-22-year-old McIlroy to scout Congressional ahead of the U.S. Open. That trip paid off handsomely, and McIlroy has stuck with the philosophy ever since.
"Some majors, I haven't gone to the tournament site ahead of schedule, and I've done well," McIlroy said. "But for the most part, when I have made an advanced trip, it's worked out well for me."
The road to Aronimink wasn't without its detours. McIlroy initially planned to play Doral before competing in last week's Truist Championship at Quail Hollow. But an invitation to the White House State Dinner on April 28 changed those plans. "To go down to Doral, and then fly up to D.C. for that, and then fly back down… if I wasn't giving my 100-percent attention to the tournament, then there's no reason to play it, right?" McIlroy explained. "I wanted to do the State dinner, and if I was going to do that, it was probably better that I take that week to practice and prepare, come up here and see the golf course, and then go into Quail Hollow feeling more ready to play."
McIlroy made a day trip to Aronimink later that week, channeling his Augusta routine by getting home in time for dinner and his daughter's bedtime. After a T-19 finish at Quail Hollow on Sunday, his advanced prep allowed him to head home that night, with no need to rush. "Then come up here," McIlroy added, "and not feel stressed about having to play a lot of holes."
For golf fans and players alike, McIlroy's approach is a masterclass in preparation. Whether you're chasing a major title or just looking to lower your handicap, knowing your course—and your limits—can make all the difference. As McIlroy heads into the PGA Championship, that "bash driver" strategy might just be the key to another memorable weekend.