Curls may be gone but Rory hopes bounce is back

Rory McIlroy will launch the defence of his PGA Championship title today confident that his smooth swing can find a way back into his game and march in behind a renewed pep in his step.

It was just a year ago that McIlroy dragged himself out of a mid-season slump and romped to a record eight-stroke victory at Kiawah Island to claim the giant Wanamaker Trophy and add a second Major victory to his resumé. Furthermore, victory in this championship kick-started a run of form that saw the Holywood star win back-to-back events in the FedEx Cup play-offs and then the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai to top the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic.

Now 24, and with a dismal eight months of golf behind him in 2013, McIlroy is hoping for a similarly dynamic switch in fortunes as the 95th PGA Championship rumbles into action at Oak Hill. And though all thoughts in upstate New York have turned to a renewal of the Tiger and Phil show, McIlroy is desperate to muscle in on the action and send a reminder of the vast golfing talents he has at his disposal.