Relaxed Rory McIlroy in the driving seat at Baltusrol

A driver’s golf course that hides nothing over its 7,428 yards and course-softening thunderstorms is the forecast during the next four days. It is all setting up very nicely for Rory McIlroy in the major championship that has brought him the most reward.

The two-time PGA Championship winner has done everything but lick his lips, rub his hands together, and do a jig of delight at the thought of taking on Baltusrol this weekend in the final major of the season — and it is easy to see why.

His four previous major successes have been delivered in similar circumstances, from the rain-sodden Congressional for the 2011 US Open through the weather- interrupted Open of 2014 at Hoylake and at the bombers’ alleys in Kiawah Island and Valhalla, McIlroy has bullied the courses, taken advantage of the conditions, and conquered his rivals.