Strong field takes on bunker-filled challenge at PGA Championship

Newtown Square, Pa. — One year ago, Rory McIlroy arrived at the PGA Championship unsure of the next Everest he would climb. The Northern Irishman was playing his first major since ending a 10-year drought and completing the career Grand Slam in dream fashion at the Masters.

He settled for a tie for 47th. Twelve whirlwind months later, following a Ryder Cup victory and a second Green Jacket, McIlroy is rejuvenated and unlikely to let something like a nagging toe ailment hold him back. McIlroy and defending champ Scottie Scheffler headline the strongest field of the year, with 97 of the top 100 golfers in the world on site at Aronimink Golf Club for the PGA Championship beginning Thursday.

"Coming into this tournament feels a lot different than what it did last year," McIlroy said of his level of motivation. "I feel like I've got some nice clear road ahead to try to get some more of these majors. " McIlroy's second Masters marked his sixth major championship; a seventh this week would tie him with the likes of Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead and Bobby Jones.

He cut short his Tuesday practice round on the fourth hole because of discomfort from a blister on his right pinky toe, which he said he's had since last Friday. McIlroy was back on the course Wednesday and is expected to compete. Aronimink has hosted just one men's major before, the 1962 PGA Championship won by Gary Player.