Monday 10 August 2015 15:32, UK
World No 2 Jordan Spieth is relishing the prospect of Rory McIlroy returning from injury in time for next week's US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.
Spieth would have replaced McIlroy at the top of the world rankings with victory at this week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, but finished in a tie for 10th despite posting a four-under 66 during the final round.
The Masters and US Open champion has been grouped with the world No 1 for the first two rounds at Whistling Straits, with Spieth delighted that McIlroy appears set to return from injury in time to defend his title.
"It's going to be great," Spieth told Sky Sports 4. "I'm very, very happy that he is back, everybody is. He certainly takes the interest in the game to a different level.
"It will be cool to battle it out with him hopefully for the No 1 spot if it comes down to Sunday. I am certainly ready to be in that position and hopefully we can do so."
McIlroy played full practice rounds on Saturday and Sunday at Whistling Straits, telling reporters that his rehabilitated left ankle was a “non-issue”.
The Northern Irishman doesn't have to commit to playing until his offical tee time on Thursday, although seems on course to make his first appearance since June's US Open.
"Obviously, getting around a golf course like this, playing 18 holes, it felt fine," McIlroy told the Golf Channel. "I've come a long way in five weeks. This has been the five-week mark today from when I did it."
Strong showing
Spieth posted six birdies on his way to his lowest round of the week, setting the early clubhouse target at Firestone and giving himself some momentum ahead of the final major of the year.
The 22-year-old got off to a strong start with three birdies from his opening five holes, following a 20-foot putt at the fourth by holing his bunker shot at the next.
A blemish at the seventh was cancelled out by picking up strokes at the ninth and 10th, before Spieth closed his round with a close-range birdie at the 18th.
"Today was a good solid round," Spieth added. "I had more momentum. I felt more connected too.
“I liked the course set-up today for a Sunday. You can make birdies, but you can also get into trouble and I'm very pleased with the way that we rebounded.
"Aside from yesterday, I thought I played some really good golf this week, good enough to contend in the tournament. This golf course just may not be the best fit for me."
Watch the US PGA Championship live throughout the week on Sky Sports 4 – your home of golf
