Rory McIlroy’s literally got the bug for PGA Championship glory this week at storm-drenched Kiawah Island in South Carolina.
There has been five weather stoppages so far this week before a shot has been fired in anger on the course lying just south of the island fortress of Fort Sumter, and the scene of the start of the American Civil War.
And if the persistent storms are not enough, there’s alligator infested ponds including a six-foot long ‘gator guarding the 17th green plus biting mosquitoes.
“We’re getting eaten alive by the insects which isn’t very nice,” he said.
“I’ve been spraying all sorts of insect repellent on my arms and face just to ward off them off.
Rory McIlroy's got 'the bug' for PGA Championship glory. (Photo - Eoin Clarke/www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“I’m also feeling the heat, and I think everyone is. It’s hot and humid out there.”
McIlroy’s competing in his fourth PGA Championship having finished third in both 2009 and just one shot off the play-off in 2010 at Whistling Straits.
And after being bitten so often this week, and going close in the event twice before, McIlroy’s got the bite for a second Major Championship success.
“I got off to a good start at The Open and fell away again, so if I could make up for those three finishes with a good one here this week I would be a lot happier,” he said.
“It is the last chance to have a nice little holiday in Bermuda in October.
“Also there’s the anticipation of wanting to do well as it’s the last Major of the season and you to do well before the next Major after this week is about eight months away at Augusta.
“But I am inspired by the way I played last week at the Bridgestone and if I can bring that form into this week and hit the ball well then I should fare better than I have in the other three Majors this year.”
McIlroy was among nine players European Ryder Cup captain, Jose Maria Olazabal met with on Tuesday night.
Olazabal asked for the leading nine currently on the points table, and with the exception of Lee Westwood who did not arrive into South Carolina to late Tuesday, but leaving out the likes of Ian Poulter (No. 12 on the points table), Thomas Bjorn (15) and Padraig Harrington (20).
Present at the meeting was Graeme McDowell and third on the points table and looking forward very much to Medinah after holing the 2010 Celtic Manor winning putt.
“It was a fun meeting and since the U.S. Open I have been able to pen my name onto the team as opposed than pencil myself in,” he said.
“The Ryder Cup is the most fun event we get to play every two years and I just love it, and I was really motivated this year to be a part of Jose’s team because he’s going to be an awesome captain.
“He kind of took me under his wing in 2008 at Valhalla, and the two most inspirational and emotional speeches made that week were made by him.
“But we only scratched the surface last night. He didn’t have a lot to say, so it was all about sitting us all down, looking at each other and fast forwarding six weeks and putting us all there.
“We know Chicago is going to be a tough city to compete in.
“We didn’t know until last night they sought to stage this year’s Olympics but it was a failed bit. They also went for the Superbowl and failed, so they are 100% behind the Ryder Cup.”
American Kelly Mitchum will have the Kiawah Island distinction of teeing-up first at 7.20am local time (12.20pm UK).
