Jordan Spieth’s hopes of completing the Career Grand Slam this week have been dealt an annoying blow ahead of the PGA Championship. The American needs the US PGA title to join Tiger Woods

And now, here Rory McIlroy is this week, about to play the PGA Championship, which begins Thursday at Quail Hollow, without stress or questions that need to be answered about his career or his game.

Spieth has not been at the height of his powers for years, but an improved all-around game and welcoming Quail Hollow Club set up nicely for history to be made

Finally free from the burden of chasing a career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy is a hot favourite at this week's PGA Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau are both looking for a third major triumph.