• Golf

McIlroy gunning for glory at Wentworth

ESPN staff
April 28, 2014
Rory McIlroy has had three top five finishes on the European Tour this season © Getty Images
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Rory McIlroy is targeting a maiden triumph at the BMW PGA Championship after he confirmed his participation in the European Tour's flagship event at Wentworth.

The two-time major winner has shown signs of a return to form, finishing runner-up at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at the start of the year in one of three top 10 finishes in five European Tour events in 2014.

"The BMW PGA Championship is always one of the highlights of the year and it is a title we are all keen to win," he told europeantour.com.

McIlroy struggled in 2013 after changing his equipment in a long-term sponsorship deal with Nike. The Northern Irishman missed the cut at four events and was heavily criticised for quitting the Honda Classic after eight holes in the second round, when he initially blamed tooth pain for his withdrawal.

But the former world No.1 wants continue his solid start to the new season by winning at Wentworth on the 60th anniversary of the event.

"I've been a little hit and miss at Wentworth in recent years, but I think this year my game is in much better shape going into the tournament, so I'm feeling confident about my chances of performing well there," he said.

"Wentworth always kicks off the golf season in Europe, leading up to The Open Championship, and hopefully a good performance there can launch a successful summer for me."

McIlroy will join the likes of four-time major winner Ernie Els, US Open champion Justin Rose, recently-crowned Malaysian Open winner Lee Westwood, world No.3 Henrik Stenson and Ryder Cup heros Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia in the event.

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