Thursday 13 August 2015 21:59, UK
Paul McGinley expects four-time major champion Rory McIlroy to be firmly in contention for this week's 97th PGA Championship.
McIlroy will return to play his first tournament since rupturing an ankle ligament six weeks ago, but McGinley has backed the 26-year-old's decision to compete at Whistling Straits.
"I think he can contend no doubt," said McGinley.
"He's the world number-one player, he's confident, he's had a good few weeks practice, his game is in good shape, and the golf course suits him.
Coming back from a serious injury, it will be interesting to see how it all unfolds for him (McIlroy).
"He's proven in the past that coming back form a big lay-off doesn't really affect him, he can come back and hit the ground running. But coming back from a serious injury, it will be interesting to see how it all unfolds for him.
"Steve McGregor [McIlroy's fitness trainer] has done a great job on him. He's very highly respected within the game and within this industry knowing exactly what fitness is about.
"He couldn't have been in better hands in terms of this rehab with Steve. I'd say he's in good shape but is he going to be competitively sharp? That's going to be the question."
