Rory McIlroy, if he plays PGA Championship, is grouped with major winners Spieth, Johnson

Zach Johnson hits out of the rough on the 11th hole during the second round of the Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament at Firestone Country Club, Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, in Akron, Ohio. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) (The Associated Press)

Jordan Spieth reacts after hitting from the fairway to the 11th green during the second round of the Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament at Firestone Country Club, Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, in Akron, Ohio. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) (The Associated Press)

Rory McIlroy joins the marquee group of this year's major champions in the opening rounds of the PGA Championship.

That's assuming McIlroy plays next week at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.

McIlroy has been out since the U.S. Open with an ankle injury. He dropped more hints Friday that he was on his way. One was a photo from a private jet with an American flag and a golf course as icons to indicate where he was going. He also retweeted the PGA starting time of McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Zach Johnson.

But he was always going to be listed in the tee times unless he called the PGA of America to withdraw. McIlroy's chief spokesman had said a decision was expected late this week.

Tiger Woods is grouped with Martin Kaymer and Keegan Bradley.