With two wins in his last two outings, McIlroy has breathed fresh life into what had been a stuttering start to the year.
Even more impressive is the manner in which he has done it.
Supported by Shane Lowry, the duo claimed a playoff victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans just over two weeks ago. In what was Lowry’s first PGA tour win since his triumph at the 2019 Open, McIlroy also collected his 25th tour victory.
In the process, it seems that a tad of Shane’s lovable, ever jovial personality has rubbed off on Rory.
Visibly notable, McIlroy has also sensed its presence.
“The reason that Shane and I first started to play golf is because we thought it was fun at some stage in our life,” he said speaking post-round.
“It’s absolutely amazing. We’ve had an awesome week here in New Orleans. The crowds have been absolutely amazing to get the support we’ve had out there. We’ve had so much fun while doing it and it’s just a bonus to win at the end.”
That success was duly followed as the longtime friends stepped foot on stage and led a rendition of the Journey classic, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’.
Serenading the crowd, it was just the boost Rory needed.
We again witnessed that element of ‘fun’ come to the fore as the Northern Irishman stormed to victory at the Wells Fargo last weekend.
His fourth victory at the Quail Hollow Club, McIlroy stormed past American, Xander Schauffele with a stunning back nine on Sunday.
This included an eight-hole stretch of four birdies and two eagles which saw the 35-year-old surge six shots clear going down the 18th.
Not even a double-bogey six at the finishing hole could dampen McIlroy’s spirits as he ended the tournament at 17-under – five shots clear of the Californian.
Passing by roaring cheers on his way up to the clubhouse, we were reminded of the Rory of old – a fixture of exuberance and bounce.
“I really got some confidence winning with Shane in New Orleans last week,” he told the media post-round.
“Coming into this week, at a golf course I am comfortable with, my golf swing feels more comfortable than it has done.
“Going to a venue next week where I have won, it feels like the stars are aligning a little bit. But I have a lot of golf to play and a lot of great players to try to beat.
“I am going into the next major of the year feeling really good about myself.”
Now returning to the scene of his last major victory – Rory looks as assured as ever.
Almost a decade of close calls has been characterised by heightened pressure, misfortune and the untimely mistake.
Though unquestionably consistent (he has had twenty major top-10’s in that time, finishing on the first page of the leaderboard in seven of the last nine) – Rory has also lacked that care-free, killer instinct which we recollect from his youth.
But, perhaps the past few weeks have finally provided a fresh wind. Smiling once again, McIlroy seems rejuvenated and will be buoyed by fond memories of Valhalla.
Claiming a second PGA title, his victory at the Louisville course was his third in as many tournaments – earlier winning the 2014 Open Championship at Hoylake along with a World Golf Championship event at Firestone Country Club.
Now nearly ten years later, Rory is gunning for another three-peat. The confidence is back, and with it that all important momentum.
In-form, a Rory McIlroy in full flow is a danger to all.
Although significant changes have been made to the course since it last hosted, Valhalla remains a haven for long drivers.
Those modifications are now also expected to place added impetus on accuracy.
With six par-4’s measuring over 475 yards, it is a behemoth of a golf course – and should be right up McIlroy’s alley.
Despite this, the Northern Irishman looks set to be joined by a cast of the worlds’ best at Valhalla.
Fresh from welcoming the birth of his first child, Scottie Scheffler heads the list of competitors.
He too is hoping to achieve his own three-peat of victories having taken his second Masters’ Green Jacket and the RBC Heritage in April.
If he were to do it, a victory in Kentucky would also be his fifth in six starts – the lone defeat in this run so far being a second place finish at the Houston Open.
Coming off an extended break, the world no.1 has said he is prepared for action. However, a whirlwind past few weeks could take its toll on the Texan.
The second major of the year also brings with it the latest in the plot-twist between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
Brooks Koepka returns to lead the charge for that side of the golfing divide – aided by the likes of former major champions Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith and Dustin Johnson.
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