Wednesday 12 August 2015 14:27, UK
Rich Beem believes there is "no reason" why Rory McIlroy cannot mount a successful defence of his PGA Championship title this week despite his six-week lay-off.
McIlroy is returning to action at Whistling Straits just six weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage while playing football with friends in Northern Ireland, which sidelined him for the Open Championship and last week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
The defending champion underwent intensive treatment and rehabilitation before heading to Whistling Straits to practice ahead of the final major of the year, and after completing 18 holes for the second day running on Sunday, he told reporters that his ankle was a "non issue".
Beem, who will be combining his Sky Sports commentary role with playing in the tournament this week, is adamant that McIlroy can overcome any rust in his game to get himself into contention for the title on Sunday.
The 2002 champion told Sky Sports News HQ: "Rory has been getting some practice rounds in and doing a lot of work, so I would expect him to be at his best. Maybe on Thursday and Friday he could be a little rusty, that happens after a six-week lay-off – particularly in the short-game and the “feel” shots.
"But I don’t see why he can’t be in the mix. He can win without a doubt, he’s got so much talent and is one of the most naturally-gifted golfers in the world. There’s no reason why he can’t contend – and win."
Exciting
Beem is eligible to take part this week as a former champion, and he is looking forward to the challenge despite having played little competitive golf over the last year.
He added: "It’s exciting for me. I think I appreciate it more now that I’m working for Sky Sports, and because I don’t get a chance to play very often these days. But when I do play, I get to play in one of the best events in the world.
"I’ll be nervous - and beyond - on the first tee on Thursday, but I’m looking forward to getting out there and competing, whether it’s just for 36 holes or if I can get 72 in. It’s going to be a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to the challenge."
Jordan Spieth is bidding to become only the third player in history after Ben Hogan and Tiger Woods to win three majors in a calendar year, but Beem thinks any number of competitors have a realistic chance to lift the Wanamaker Trophy.
"If last week at Firestone was any indication, it’s wide open this week," he said. "Dustin Johnson faltered over the weekend but he’s here working hard right now.
Wide open
"Jordan Spieth had a good finish in Akron with another top-10, Bubba Watson and Henrik Stenson are certainly in form. So many big names that can crop up, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a leaderboard like last week’s when you had five of the top seven players in the world right up there contending for the title. It would be good for golf if that happened.
"A little rain has been forecast and that will help the longer hitters, but it’s not going to help me! I can’t fly it as far as most of these guys. I was kind of hoping it would play firm and fast so I can hit some shots out there and hit a few bump and runs.
"But I don’t think the rain affects this golf course as much as some others. The water drains pretty good here as it’s a sand-based golf course. As long as there’s no deluge of rain on Wednesday night, I would expect the course to be playing fine on Thursday."
Beem also believes the stature of the US PGA Championship has grown in recent years, adding: "The tournament has always been the 'odd man out' so to speak. But nowadays, the players seem to be embracing it more. It’s a major championship and this counts. It’s coming into its own and we’re going to world-class venues every year now.
"The PGA of America puts on a golf tournament like no other. They do a tremendous job, and it’s obviously my favourite tournament to come to and play in for many different reasons. All the players are treated equally and looked after, and it’s now a much bigger deal to win the PGA than it was maybe 10 or 15 years ago."
