Rory McIlroy's chances of winning £2.65 million ($3.6 million) at the Truist Championship next week have significantly improved after world number one Scottie Scheffler withdrew from the PGA Tour Signature Event. Scheffler has opted to focus on defending his title at the PGA Championship, the second major of the season, which begins a week later.
The Truist Championship, held at Quail Hollow Club in North Carolina, is an event McIlroy has dominated historically, winning four times (2010, 2015, 2021 and 2024) when it was known as the Wells Fargo Championship. Without Scheffler, McIlroy is the clear favourite to secure a record-extending fifth title at the venue.
Despite Scheffler's absence, the rest of the world's top 10 are expected to compete, with the exception of world number eight Russell Henley. McIlroy's participation marks his first tournament since winning back-to-back Masters titles last month, a feat achieved only by Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods before him.
McIlroy has been vocal about prioritising major championships and the Ryder Cup over other events. Speaking at the Laureus World Sports Awards, he said: 'Completing the career Grand Slam, I always felt like that was going to be the highlight of my career. I'm at a point in my career where I really have to target the bigger events, the four Major championships, the Ryder Cup.'
With six majors already, a victory at the PGA Championship would see McIlroy break a four-way tie with Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson and Nick Faldo for the most major wins among active players.
