Rory McIlroy told brutal assessment of PGA Championship course "shame to hear"

Justin Rose says it was "a shame to hear" Rory McIlroy's verdict on the course layout for this year's PGA Championship. 

McIlroy, 37, didn't mince his words when he was asked about Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania ahead of the second men's major of the year. 

As far as the Northern Irishman is concerned, he doesn't believe the venue will test all aspects of your game. 

"Strategy off the tee is pretty non-existent," the Masters champion told reporters before heading out for a practice round. 

"You know, it's basically bash driver down there and figure it out from there."

McIlroy added: "The greens are the main focus this week and I think getting yourself in the right sections of the greens, making sure you leave yourself below the hole for the most part, that's the key this week.

"Again, I've only played four competitive rounds here, I don't know the place that well to give you a great answer on what I like about it."

McIlroy's comments were put to Rose in his pre-tournament news conference. 

The Englishman, 45, said it was "a shame to hear" McIlroy's thoughts, adding: "Because that's not what a Donald Ross course is designed to be or historically has been."

Rose argued that it was the modernization of the golf course that led McIlroy to have that point of view. 

"There's definitely some bunkers at 310 or 305 that if you can carry those the fairway does get much wider," he said. 

"So from that point of view I think if you have that gear I think there's a lot of players in the field that that is the case, it's not just a going to suit particularly Rory, it's going to suit a lot of guys that can carry the ball 300 plus. 

"But, yeah, the rough's definitely creeping up though to the point where you got to be respectful I think. I think two weeks ago the rough wasn't up. 

"They have really worked hard I believe from what Fooch [Mark Fulcher, Rose's caddie] tells me anyway, to kind of get the rough growing. 

"It's a different type of rough actually it's a very thick rough it's almost like a Kikuyu. 

"It feels like very, it's like a very dense rooty type of grass. So, yeah, I think there's a little bit of respect needed to make sure you are hitting the fairways. 

"The fairways are generous, but you still need to be on 'em."

McIlroy is attempting to win his second consecutive major championship in a row following his Masters triumph in April. 

The six-time major champion has had his preparations for the PGA Championship disrupted by a toe injury. 

McIlroy only lasted three holes of his practice round on Tuesday but, according to Golf Channel's Todd Lewis, is not worried about making it to the first tee. 

He is playing the first two rounds of the major alongside Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth. 

Rose, who boasts an impressive record at the PGA Championship with four top 10s in his last six starts, is attempting to win his first major title since the 2013 U.S. Open. 

He has struggled in his last two starts, but insisted the mini slump had nothing to do with his new McLaren golf irons.

Keep checking GolfMagic for all the latest updates of the 2026 PGA Championship.