Jordan Spieth was singing Rory McIlroly’s praise after the opening round of the 97th PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.

The current World No. 1 and 2 ended with one under par 71s but then with McIlroy letting slip a ‘points victory’ over his new arch rival when he found the rough short of the final green to walk off with a bogey.

However it was a long 5 hours and 25 minute round for the threesome that also included new Open Champion Zach Johnson.

Jordan Spieth finds himself being quizzed on Rory McIlroy’s effort on da one of the 97th PGA.

It had been 53 days since McIlroy last teed-up in competition and Spieth was very complimentary of the 26-year old McIlroy’s effort.

Yeah, he played great and it seemed like there was nothing wrong,” said Spieth.

“I didn’t see any differences in his game.  He seems hundred percent ready.  He had a couple of breaks today, they ended up in spots where he had to punch it out sideways.

“Sometimes it’s spotty and you can miss the green from there, so that cost him a couple of shots.  But then everything seemed to be on point, and I expect him to move up the board.”