MajorsBrian KeoghUS PGA, Rory McIlroy, Whistling StraitsComment

Rory McIlroy plays (unplanned?) practice round at Whistling Straits with no ill effects

MajorsBrian KeoghUS PGA, Rory McIlroy, Whistling StraitsComment
Rory McIlroy, watched by that group that includes his father Gerry, his coach Michael Bannon, his assistant Sean O'Flaherty, his best friend Harry Diamond and his caddie JP Fitzgerald at Whistling Straits today. 

Rory McIlroy, watched by that group that includes his father Gerry, his coach Michael Bannon, his assistant Sean O'Flaherty, his best friend Harry Diamond and his caddie JP Fitzgerald at Whistling Straits today. 

Defending champion Rory McIlroy played a practice round for next week's PGA Championship at Whistling Straits today without showing any ill effects from the total rupture of ankle ligaments he suffered exactly five weeks ago.

Reuters reported on Monday that McIlroy was scheduled to play a practice round at the course today, though the story was denied by his PR company in Dublin the following morning.

"Not booked for such a round. Still going through the ankle rehab process. T," his publicist Terry Prone texted in reply to a query about McIlroy's fitness.

Either this was an attempt to keep onlookers and media away or McIlroy's plans clearly change quickly. Whatever the truth, McIlroy's likely return on Thursday is clearly great news for the PGA of America, which has grouped the current world No 1 with the winners of the first three majors of the year in US Open and Masters champion Jordan Spieth and Open champion Zach Johnson.

According tweet by Sky Sports' James Haddock, who watched some of the action, McIlroy moved well and shot two over on a long course alongside his closest friend, Harry Diamond.

For the rest of the PGA Championship tee times, click here.