Rory McIlroy returns to a happy hunting ground this week with the PGA Championship taking place a Kiawah Island. The course was the site of McIlroy's second major victory in 2012 when he demolished the field by eight shots.
Ahead of this weekend's tournament, McIlroy was asked about the importance of that win which came a year after his maiden major at the US Open.
As he answered the question, McIlroy - a four-time major winner - spotted Justin Thomas at the rear of the press conference room. Since winning the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in 2017, Thomas has failed to add to his major titles.
McIlroy couldn't help but laugh as he aimed a playful dig at the American.
Rory McIlroy toys with Justin Thomas
"It was huge. A lot of guys have won one major, but it’s a big hurdle to get to the second," said McIlroy through laughter.
"It was good to get that monkey off my back, especially here, playing so well. So, yeah, it was a big deal. I definitely didn't want to be stuck on one for a long time. I was happy to get that second."
The two had time for a hug on stage before Thomas took the microphone. McIlroy, Thomas and Brooks Koepka are in the same playing group for Thursday's opening round.
McIlroy is favourite for this week's tournament following his victory at Quail Hollow in the Wells Fargo Championship earlier this month.
"I can't really say too much, other than it's great to see him win," said Thomas when asked if he had a rebuttal for McIlroy.
"I know it's been a really long time for him, so I'm glad to see him. But at the same time, I really don't want to egg him on because usually when he wins he likes to reel some off, and with a lot of big tournaments coming up I don't really want to poke the bear."
You can see the moment Rory spots Justin Thomas at the back of his press conference, grins and then drops the hammer:
"Y'know, a lot of guys have won one major, but it's a big hurdle to get to the second." pic.twitter.com/u2LstKDXcj
— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) May 19, 2021
Picture credit: Hafiz Johari / Shutterstock.com
See Also: Multi-Talented Belfast Teen Had A Weekend He'll Never Forget
