By Scott MacLeod, via Flagstick Golf Magazine (www.flagstick.com)

What better way to put your mark in the PGA Tour record books than with a charging finish of just 62 strokes?  That is exactly what PGA Tour rookie Rory McIlroy did last year at the Quail Hollow Club to secure his first PGA Tour victory.

It’s hard to imagine that an equal bit of excitement will take place this year at the newly renamed Wells Fargo Championship but because of the quality of the layout in Charlotte, you know you will be guaranteed a champion of equivalent stature.

That might well be McIlroy, still just 21 years old but a year wiser.  Coming off his recent Masters upset that saw him lead through 63 holes and then fail miserably down the back nine on Sunday he appeared well focused when he met the media in Charlotte on Tuesday.

“I’m very happy with my game; looking forward to this week,” said the young Irishman. “My game’s in good shape and hopefully I am ready for another good week.”

McIlroy loves playing at Quail Hollow, so much so that faced with having to drop an event from his schedule in 2011 in order not be playing seven straight weeks, the Players got the kiss-off.  “This is one of my favourite golf courses; one of my favourite events of the year,” reiterated Rory who says he is not quite as comfortable at TPC Sawgrass but can see himself putting the Players back on his schedule at some point.  This year it just did not fit his very active itinerary.

“The Players would be five in a row.  It’s just too much golf for me.  I feel I just get too lazy, too lethargic,” said the defending champ who is trying to be well prepared for the U.S. Open Championship at Congressional in June. 

As for his play last year, McIlroy can do nothing but smile when you ask him about the magical weekend that saw him make the cut on the number, shoot 66 on Saturday, post a 32 on his opening nine on Sunday and then blast his way to his 1st PGA Tour title.  “Shooting 30 on the back nine, that was the best performance of my career,” he responds with a delicate but noticeable pause before he adds, “so far.”  His final round score was the lowest by a winner since Brad Faxon’s 61 at the 2005 Buick Championship. 

As for this week the defender, even with his past success, still approaches the Quail Hollow Club with great reverence and respect.  The George Cobb design that Tom Fazio renovated more than a decade ago does instil that in many. “(It’s) a really tough golf course; you don’t have to drive it that good because the rough is not that long.  If you give me four 69’s this week I’d snap it right out of your hands and wait in the clubhouse. It’s a golf course where there are a few greens out here that are challenging and you have to stay patient.  Every tough golf course you’ve got to take advantage of the par fives and try and make your score there.  I think that’s what a lot of people will try and do here this week.”

As expected, with the Players on tap for next week and with the quality of the venue and tournament, the field at the Wells Fargo this week is stuffed full of talent.

Joining McIlroy in the field are past champions David Toms, Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk, and Anthony Kim.  Another, Sean O’Hair, was in the field but pulled out early in the week.  Eleven players accounting for 13 of the 19 PGA Tour wins in 2011 are in Charlotte, including last week’s winner, Bubba Watson, who tied for 22nd here last year.

Expect a very game Phil Mickelson to have a presence at Quail Hollow.  He finished 2nd to Rory last year and you know he will want to make up for that near miss.

My pick of the week?  I think it’s time for Rickie Fowler to follow Rory and get his first PGA Tour win in Charlotte.  Fowler finished 6th here last year and although his 2011 has been less than stellar Quail Hollow might just inspire some great play.  Also watch for Arnold Palmer Invitational champ Martin Laird; this is a course that will suit his game well.

2011 Wells Fargo Championship 

Dates: May 1-7, 2011 

Where: Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, N.C.

Par/Yards: 36-36—72 / 7442

Field: 156

Defending Champion: Rory McIlroy

Purse: $6,500,000; Winner’s Share: $1,170,000

Format: 72-hole stroke play 

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This report provided to GolfWRX.com by Canada's Flagstick Golf Magazine (www.flagstick.com)