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Rory McIlroy fancies his US PGA chances this week for one very important reason


Rory McIlroy reckons he can be king of the big hitters this week and claim his third US PGA title.

Tiger Woods is the crowd favourite at the Bethpage Black course here on New York’s Long Island after sensationally capping his comeback from the golfing wilderness with victory at last month’s Masters.

But as the year’s second Major begins on Thursday, McIlroy is confident of holding off the challenge of the former world No.1, as well as defending champion Brooks Koepka — another fearsome hitter.

McIlroy has won his previous four Majors on wet courses, including US PGA titles in 2012 and 2014. And after rain and cold temperatures in New York this week, the Northern Irishman said: “Length is going to be a factor this week.

“I would be very surprised if an average or shorter hitter were going to win because those guys are going to be wearing out their hybrids and long irons and the more you do that, it is a grind to keep the round going.

McIlroy feels the wet, cold weather gives an advantage to longer hitters like himself

“And I think the softer conditions will favour me – players that have more length. It is the obvious choice looking at players like myself or Dustin Johnson or Brooks Koepka. Guys that hit it a long way and can hit quite a few fairways and take advantage of the length.

“I don’t think anything about the odds. I think I have a good chance. I’ve had a pretty good record at the PGA, a couple of wins and a couple other decent finishes.

“We’re playing at a golf course that I like, that I’ve had some experience on. I know if I play the way I can, hopefully I’ll have a chance.”

All McIlroy’s previous Major wins came on soggy courses, including this event five years ago

Koepka has won three of the last eight Majors — and has targeted finishing with an under-par total “in double digits” here.

The world No.3 held off Woods to win this event last August and insisted he will not fear the new Masters champion this week.

“What’s the point in fearing anybody?” he said Koepka. “We’re not fighting.

“I mean, unless I was standing there and not prepared for a punch. Other than that, he’s not going to knock my teeth in. He’s not going to hurt me. So what’s there to be afraid of?”

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