Rory McIlroy plays (unplanned?) practice round at Whistling Straits with no ill effects
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.
Look who's back! @McIlroyRory playing first practice round @PGAChampionship today after recovery from ankle injury pic.twitter.com/ETwJL5oniq
— James Haddock (@JamesHaddockSky) August 8, 2015
Rory McIlroy into back nine at Whistling Straits now. Says he feels good. Appears to be walking without pain. #golf pic.twitter.com/lGCI67LWkw
— James Haddock (@JamesHaddockSky) August 8, 2015
There's a spring in the step of @rorymcilroy today as he gets a first look at Whistling Straits #golf pic.twitter.com/yd4RteRZ3d
— James Haddock (@JamesHaddockSky) August 8, 2015
After 18 holes Rory McIlroy tells me his ankle is "feeling fine" and he shot 2 over on a day where Whistling Straits was playing very long
— James Haddock (@JamesHaddockSky) August 8, 2015
For the rest of the PGA Championship tee times, click here.