The Loop
Is Rory McIlroy REALLY ready for the PGA Championship? Examining his press conference for clues
HAVEN, Wis. -- Everyone was so busy wondering and worrying about Rory McIlroy's PGA Championship playing prospects (as well as trying to interpret his social-media accounts) that we've glossed over a crucial part of this puzzle: Should he be playing?
The No. 1 player in the world suffered an injury that can keep athletes out for months; McIlroy is coming back in just four weeks. Worse, the Whistling Straits grounds are not exactly the Kansas plains.
One wonders if McIlroy spent so much time in the rehabilitation process that the mental preparation was neglected.
Using McIlroy's time with the media on Wednesday, let's see if we can uncover any evidence to see where his psyche is this week:
Regarding Tuesday night's Champions Dinner...
*"It was a fun night. I went with sort of a Wisconsin theme type meal. There's a few things in there from the local area. But tried to make sure that there was something in there for everyone to eat. I didn't want anyone going hungry." *
RED FLAG. Fun? FUN? Where's the eye of the tiger, the killer instinct? That event shouldn't be fun. It should be an inconvenience!
And making sure everyone had something to eat? These are your opponents! Man should have served cold mutton stew and corned beef and hash. Strike one.
That settles it. Rory is ready.