Exciting major ahead? What to expect from world's best at PGA Championship

The men’s major season has already opened with another compelling chapter, with Rory McIlroy’s win adding to the Augusta National history books.

The world No 1 and world No 2 occupied the top two places on the leaderboard, with McIlroy's back-to-back wins matching the two Green Jackets that hang in Scottie Scheffler's locker.

Five of the top six came from the top 10 in the world rankings that week and I believe we are in for another exciting major championship, with many players in form heading to Pennsylvania.

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The PGA Championship returns to Aronimink Golf Course, where Gary Player triumphed when it was last held there some 64 years ago. This fine course was carved and created by a legendary Scotsman, Donald Ross, and celebrates its centenary in two years' time.

Many of you who have watched Sky Sports through the years will remember Aronimink for Justin Rose's win in the AT&T National in 2010 and Keegan Bradley's extra-time win over Rose in the 2018 BMW Championship.

Aronimink traditionally has generous fairways, so it will be interesting to see how the PGA of America sets the course up this week. This venue has produced low scoring in the past, with Tiger Woods and McIlroy both recording 62s.

Woods completed the back nine in 29 here in 2018 and McIlroy's 62 included two bogeys. I suspect and hope they will shrink the fairways a little, as I think we all like to see accuracy - as well as distance - rewarded.

Like many courses of this age, it has undergone changes. Ron Pritchard, a noted architect from Philadelphia, was hired in 2003 to 'recapture' the classic design of Ross that had been diminished over time.

In 2017, the excellent Gil Hanse completed further renovation in time for the BMW Championship a year later. Now these enhancements have bedded in, this grand venue is ready for another major week.

We got a sneak peek at sunset. You’re gonna love Aronimink 😍🌅#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/OOryr63pS3

The leading five in the world rankings are all enjoying fine seasons, each heading into the second major with at least one victory in the first four months of the calendar year.

Scheffler continues to produce remarkable consistency. McIlroy has his sixth major and should be rested and fresh ahead of what would be a third PGA Championship title.

Cameron Young has come of age since last summer and the resurgence of Matt Fitzpatrick has been thrilling. He was outside the world's top 80 a year ago, was 22nd at the start of the year and now sits handsomely inside the world's top five.

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Just behind him is Rose, who will be relishing a return to a course he obviously feels comfortable on and one that suits his eye. I think it's fair to say that one of these top five will hold the Wanamaker Trophy aloft on Sunday. However, we know predictions are at times foolish!

It's worth mentioning the form of Jordan Spieth has been better recently and a win would have him as the seventh member in the Grand Slam club, so there's plenty to look forward to. You will all have your favourites and choices and there will be some good value lower down the list.

After his - in several ways - disappointing Masters, this is a course which will suit Robert MacIntyre. I'm sure after his antics at Augusta, MacIntyre will be focused on a professional performance to re-enter the top 10 and open his major account.

Tyrrell Hatton continues to knock on the major door and many feel one will open soon. His accuracy in approach work is up there with the best in the game and should the fairways be generous, that department could well be the key to success.

The headlines over the past couple of weeks have been about LIV Golf and the announcement of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund financial support coming to a premature end. I don't believe this comes as a shock, as LIV is arguably no further forward since its inception around four years ago.

It's widely reported that it has invested a minimum of $5bn and was losing hundreds of million dollars a month. $400m bought Newcastle United who, despite an average season, have had considerable success since the Saudis' takeover.