McIlroy named alongside Spieth

Rory McIlroy all but confirmed that he’ll be returning from his ankle injury to defend his title at next week’s PGA Championship at Whistling Straits Friday. The 21-year-old set the golf world ablaze with his victories in the U.S. Open and Masters earlier this year, and came one stroke away from a championship playoff at the British last month.

Known to connect with this fans and supporters through various social media outlets, including his decision not to defend his British Open crown, McIlroy could be gearing up for a return at the PGA Championships at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin, beginning next week.

McIlroy’s last competitive round was a closing 66 in the US Open at Chambers Bay on June 21.

If you want to hear about the rest of the food at Whistling Straits this year, listen to the sound cloud above. The 72nd hole bunker at Whistling Straits, which again hosts the PGA next week, won’t be in play.

Majors: Masters (2004, 2006, 2010), British Open (2013), PGA Championship (2005).

More than his form, the course will test his rehabbed ankle as much as any major-championship venue.

Ryder Cup captains Davis Love III and Darren Clarke are in the same group with Steve Stricker, who is likely to be a captain in the future.

The power grouping would put the winners of the last five majors together.

How the young American would love to turn up on the first tee with the rankings bragging rights over an opponent who would not have played for 53 days, since coming ninth at a US Open in which Spieth, himself, finished first.

“I recognize that there’s only been a couple times that people have won three majors in a year, and that would be just such special company, ” Spieth said.

Norman withdrew and was replaced by Kevin Sutherland. Woods opened with a 75 at Baltusrol and was tied for 113th place and in danger of missing yet another cut. Mickelson and Fowler, two shots behind, were asked to let McIlroy tee off on the 18th hole to assure it would finish.