Former professional golfer Paige Spiranac believes Rory McIlroy is capable of winning the PGA Championship this week.
The 35-year-old is in the spotlight after filing for divorce from wife Erica Stoll after seven years of marriage.
McIlroy's inner circle, according to reports, were left 'blindsided' by the bombshell - with their split confirmed just days before the start of this year's PGA Championship.
McIlroy insists he's ready to play, despite everything going on in his personal life.
PGA Championship favorites! pic.twitter.com/O9Go6ZHLaK
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) May 15, 2024
Many aren't sure what to expect from the Northern-Irishman as he looks to win his first major since 2014.
Some think McIlroy plays his best golf when he's under pressure, whereas others think he could be distracted.
But former golf star Spiranac, speaking in a video shared on X on Wednesday, believes McIlroy is capable of shining and winning this year's tournament.
"Everyone seems to have their money on Rory McIlroy. I can see why," she said.
"He seems to have his swagger back after a dominating performance last week.
"And when Rory has confidence and a little pep in his step, there is no one who is more fun to watch play golf than him.
"But as we know, he filed for divorce on Monday.
"Half of the people are saying he is free and ready to go win and play a course he loves, like Valhalla.
"Others are saying that could put a lot of stress and pressure on him.
"I think Rory plays well when he has a little bit of a chip on his shoulder and he is my favourite for this week."
McIlroy isn't the only big name featuring at the tournament.
World No 1 Scottie Scheffler, who recently won the Masters, will be hoping to add to his trophy haul.
And Brooks Koepka and Tiger Woods are also hoping to secure the prize, too.
American golfers have dominated the PGA Championship over the nine years, with Koepka winning three times.
Not since Jason Day in 2015 has a non-American managed to secure the Wanamaker Trophy.
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Paige Spiranac is backing Rory McIlroy to win the PGA Championship this week
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McIlroy will be out to end that run this year, with the golfer also seeking a first major since winning the same competition a decade ago.
And McIlroy has admitted he finds it difficult to explain the dominance of his American rivals.
"If you think of quintessential American golf, I think golf courses that we go to for the PGA Championship are usually somewhat like these," he said.
“I would say Kiawah was a little bit different, or maybe even somewhere like Southern Hills a couple years ago.
"But I don’t know if I can put my finger on it.
Rory McIlroy will be out to end his decade-long wait for a major at this year's PGA Championship
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“It’s the same thing. I think G-Mac (Graeme McDowell) in 2010 was the first European player to win the US Open since Jacklin in 1970. These things are cyclical.
“I don’t know if I can put my finger on it but it’s a big golf course, thick rough, soft-ish greens.
"That seems to be more of an American style of play.”
