Rory McIlroy begins his quest today to win back-to-back major titles for the second time in his illustrious career as he tees off at the PGA Championship.
The Northern Irishman arrives at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina as the favourite following his dramatic Masters triumph last month.
That historic victory at Augusta finally ended McIlroy's 11-year wait for a fifth major championship.
He now has the opportunity to replicate his remarkable achievement from 2014, when he claimed both The Open and PGA Championship in succession.
Rory McIlroy begins his quest today to win back-to-back major titles for the second time in his illustrious career as he tees off at the PGA Championship
REUTERS
The Northern Irishman enters the tournament with renewed confidence after completing his career Grand Slam in April.
McIlroy's Masters victory last month was truly momentous, coming in the most dramatic fashion at Augusta.
He overcame Justin Rose in a nail-biting play-off to finally claim the coveted Green Jacket.
The triumph elevated McIlroy into elite company, joining Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as only the sixth golfer ever to achieve the career Grand Slam.
It was a victory that saw McIlroy experience "the full range of emotions during a truly remarkable final round", with the win particularly significant as it ended his prolonged 11-year drought without adding to his major tally.
McIlroy's PGA Championship pedigree is impressive, having claimed the Wanamaker Trophy twice before.
His first PGA triumph came at Kiawah Island in 2012 with a dominant eight-shot victory.
Two years later, he secured his second PGA Championship at Valhalla in a thrilling finish.
That 2014 victory saw him edge out Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson and Rickie Fowler after a lengthy weather delay.
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Rory McIlroy was too strong for Justin Rose as he won the Masters last month
REUTERSThe win was particularly significant as McIlroy became the first player from the UK to win successive major championships.
McIlroy's form in 2025 has been exceptional, with victories already secured at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Players Championship and Masters so far.
His familiarity with Quail Hollow provides another significant advantage as he begins his challenge today.
Read on below to find out when McIlroy tees off.
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When does Rory McIlroy tee off?
McIlroy is set to feature in a star-studded grouping for the opening rounds of the major tournament, playing alongside world-class talents Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.
The trio will form one of the most anticipated groups of the championship.
McIlroy is scheduled to begin his round at 1:22pm BST on Thursday afternoon, which is 8:22am local time.
PGA Championship tee times for Thursday in full
Rory McIlroy last won the PGA Championship back in 2014 when he was aged just 25
GETTY12pm: Luke Donald, Padraig Harrington, Martin Kaymer
12:38pm: Brooks Koepka, Rickie Fowler, Shane Lowry
12:49pm: Phil Mickelson, Tommy Fleetwood, Jason Day
1pm: Jon Rahm, Patrick Cantlay, Matt Fitzpatrick
1:22pm: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele
