The golfing world turns its attention to Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky this week for the US PGA Championship, the second major of the year. All eyes will be on Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, who enters the tournament as the bookmakers' favourite following a resurgent run of form, including victories at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans (with Shane Lowry) and the Wells Fargo Championship. McIlroy's history at Valhalla is also a significant factor, having lifted the Wanamaker Trophy there in 2014.
However, the challenge to McIlroy's pursuit of a fifth major title is formidable. World number one Scottie Scheffler returns to competitive golf after a brief paternity leave, having recently welcomed his first child. Scheffler has been in dominant form this season, including a triumph at The Masters, and will be keen to add another major to his burgeoning collection. His consistent high-level play makes him a significant threat to any contender.
Defending champion Brooks Koepka also presents a serious hurdle. The American has an exceptional record in major championships, and his victory last year at Oak Hill marked his fifth major title. A win this week would see him equal Walter Hagen and Jack Nicklaus's record of five PGA Championship victories. Koepka's ability to peak for the biggest events makes him a perennial contender, regardless of his form leading up to them.
Other leading contenders include Spain's Jon Rahm, a two-time major champion, who will be looking to add a PGA Championship to his Masters and US Open titles. Xander Schauffele, despite not yet having a major to his name, has consistently performed well in golf's biggest events and is widely considered one of the sport's most consistent players. His recent form suggests he is on the cusp of a breakthrough.
The field also features a strong contingent of other top players, including Open Champion Brian Harman, and rising stars such as Ludvig Aberg and Will Zalatoris, who have both shown they can compete at the highest level. The challenging layout of Valhalla, a par-71 course stretching over 7,600 yards, will test every aspect of the players' games, from driving accuracy to putting under pressure, setting the stage for a thrilling four days of golf.
With such a high-calibre field, the US PGA Championship is poised to deliver intense competition and potentially a dramatic finish. The blend of established major winners and hungry contenders ensures that the Wanamaker Trophy will be hard-fought for, with McIlroy facing perhaps his toughest challenge yet to add to his major tally.
Source: Official PGA Championship Website