Jokes, jibes, and good vibes: Rory McIlroy relaxed on major mission

Rory McIlroy has a lot to feel bullish about returning to the scene where he won his first Wanamaker Trophy by a record eight-stroke margin

Rory McIlroy with his father Gerry during a practice round at Kiawah Island Resort’s Ocean Course in South Carolina. Picture: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Two days before the PGA Championship tees off, Rory McIlroy already delivered the shot of the week.

Asked how much his second major championship victory in the 2012 PGA at Kiawah meant to him at that particular moment of his career, McIlroy spotted 2017 PGA champ Justin Thomas standing in the back of the room waiting to take the podium next. He directed a dagger directly at the world No 2.