He won't be able to defend his world no.1 spot at the Bridgestone Invitational this week but it seems Rory McIlroy's comeback from injury is ahead of schedule.
Although he couldn't make it three majors from three at St Andrews last month, Jordan Spieth is undoubtedly the on-form golfer in the world this year and he could take his new standing to the next level this week, were he to win the title that McIlroy picked up last year.
Given that McIlroy's ankle injury will ensure he can't defend his title in Akron, Ohio, Spieth has the opportunity to take his rival's world no.1 spot but, to do so, he has to win the title.
Perhaps of more immediate concern to McIlroy is his return from that much documented injury. Although he was initially bullish about his prospects of recovery, the nature of the injury meant that the rest of his season was in doubt. It was quickly clear the the Open at St Andrews was far too soon for McIlroy to make an appearance.
Since that, thoughts have turned to the PGA Championship. The final major of the season will be McIlroy's last chance to wrestle back some glory from Spieth and, if the latest reports are to be believed, things are looking positive that McIlroy will be part of the field at Whistling Straits on August 13th.
The Holywood man will play a practice round at the Whistling Straits on Saturday to test whether his ankle has recovered sufficiently to go straight back into contention for the title. Obviously, the fact that he has booked a practice round is not definite indication that he's ready to take his place in the field but it does appear to be a positive development.
