Rory McIlroy revealed this week's BMW PGA Championship feels like a second successive home event as he returns to a course that holds special memories for him.
The Northern Irishman arrives at Wentworth Club on a huge high after coming through a play-off against Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren to become a two-time winner of his national open at The K Club on Sunday.
The World Number Two has shone at this tournament over the years, tasting victory in 2014 before recording three runners-up finishes in his last five visits - including last year when he lost to Billy Horschel in a play-off.
And speaking ahead of the third Rolex Series event of the 2025 season, McIlroy said: "I feel like I'm playing two home events in a row, and being a resident here now as well.
"Yeah, it's good to come back, even since the win here in 2014, I've had a lot of close calls to get my name on the trophy again.
"In 2018 I was second to Francesco (Molinari), in 2022 second to Shane (Lowry) - but I think if it was four rounds I would have got him.
"And obviously last year, getting beaten by Billy in the play-off. But I've had a good run here at Wentworth.
"I'd say my relationship with this golf course wasn't great at the start of my career but I finally sort of figured it out.
"I love coming back here and playing. I think it's one of the best events of the year. It's one of the best atmospheres.
"It gets pretty rowdy at the weekend, and it's cool to play in that atmosphere and I look forward to another great week."
Last week's win handed McIlroy a healthy lead at the top of the Race to Dubai Rankings and he is looking to increase his advantage further this week as he steps up his Ryder Cup preparations ahead of the biennial showpiece later this month.
McIlroy, who will play alongside Europe team-mates Shane Lowry and Jon Rahm on Thursday and Friday, added: "I think it's important this week to put in a good performance because that will give you confidence going into the Ryder Cup.
"It will also hopefully provide you with more of a cushion in the Race to Dubai going into the back end of the year.
"But first and foremost I want to play well because confidence-wise I want to be in the right state of mind going into the Ryder Cup, and then I also think it's another good week and a good opportunity to add to the win column but give myself that cushion looking towards the end of the year and the Race to Dubai."
