BMW PGA Championship preview, picks & analysis

EVEN now, it is difficult to reconcile the broken figure who sat in front of  the media at Wentworth 12 months ago and announced the end of his long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Caroline Wozniacki, with the jaunty young man who, a few days later, went on to win the BMW PGA championship.

And since then, he has gone from strength to strength, winning two majors, two WGC events, the Dubai Desert Classic and the Wells Fargo championship - that is seven wins in a year. We are, of course, talking about Rory McIlroy, whose form has been a revelation.

The world No1 has always been a streaky player, but he has now found a level of consistency that is reminiscent of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods when they were in their prime.

Fresh from a stunning performance at Quail Hollow, when he briefly threatened to break 60 in the third round, he returns to Wentworth to defend the European Tour's flagship title. And is there anybody who honestly believe that he won't do it again? Lest you believe that Quail Hollow is an easy golf course, I am here to tell you that it is not - there are a lot of trees and plenty of water waiting for wayward golf shots. In fact, it is a lot like Wentworth.

And that does not bode well for his rivals. There is, of course, a danger that he will be suffering from jetlag, but don't bet on it. McIlroy loves Wentworth, and he loves playing in front of British fans. He is extending his lead at the head of the world rankings and is now so far ahead that if he missed every cut for the rest of the year, he would still finish 2015 on top of the heap.

The key with McIlroy is his putting. He has rediscovered his touch and has been putting brilliantly in recent weeks. If he keeps it going at Wentworth, the rest will be playing for second place.

So who has the best chance of upsetting him? It is always impossible to rule out Justin Rose, who came so close to catching Jordan Spieth at The Masters and then went on to add his customary PGA title. Like Rory, Rose has found a level of consistency that is the envy of many of his rivals,, and it would be a surprise if he does not contend.

Sadly, the same cannot be said of former Wentworth champion Luke Donald, whose tumble down the world rankings continues apace. The Englishman, who not so long ago seemed to finish in the top 10 every time he teed it up, has completely lost his way over the past couple of years, and will be hoping against hope that returning to the scene of some of his very best golf might trigger something.

I fancy that Marc Warren, who is becoming a world-class golfer, might cause a surprise or two. He has proved that he can mix it with the best and seems to finally believe he is as good a golfer as everybody else believes. The same applies to Richie Ramsay, his fellow Scot.

And I remain utterly convinced that Tommy Fleetwood is due a big week - and soon. He started with a 66 in the Spanish Open before stumbling in the second round, but Fleetwood has been working furiously hard on his game and is surely destined for big things.

Patrick Reed has crossed the Atlantic to play at Wentworth and will also take part in the Irish Open as he takes up his membership of the European Tour. He is sure to attract a lot of attention.

BMW PGA Championship Betting Picks

To win: Rory McIlroy. It is impossible to bet against the defending champion

Each way: Justin Rose. Would love to win this event

Each-way: Marc Warren. Has come close here before

BMW PGA Championship Fantasy picks

Rory McIlroy. Who else?

Justin Rose. A good bet for a top 10 finish

Marc Warren. Looking to continue good form

Richie Ramsay. A very underrated player

Alexander Levy. One of the most exciting talents on tour

Tommy Fleetwood. Time to rock on, Tommy

Emiliano Grillo. Developing into a fine golfer

James Morrison. Confidence high after Spanish Open

Danny Willett. Experience in the USA has done him a power of good

Chris Wood. Another home player long overdue a good week