McIlroy became just the sixth player to win all four majors with his triumph at Augusta National – a result that has had Scheffler purring.

“It was really cool to see Rory finish that off and to be there for that moment,” said the two-time Masters champion.

“He’s a good buddy of mine out here, so I was happy for him.

“It takes a lifetime of work to be able to even have a chance to win major championships, let alone win all four of them.”

Thomas, twice a US PGA winner – including at Quail Hollow in 2017 – said McIlroy’s victory was like a wake-up call.

“I knew I always wanted to win the Grand Slam, but for some reason, watching somebody do it first-hand, reminded me I really do want to do that,” he said.

“It’s weird. Any time someone wins that isn’t me, if it’s a friend, I’m happy for them. But there’s always going to be a part of me that’s jealous and wishes it was me.”

Spieth arrives this week in search of the only title missing from his majors resume. The 31-year-old Texan was the last player to win the first two of the year when he collected the Masters and US Open titles in 2015. He followed that with victory at Royal Birkdale in the 2017 Open Championship.

But in eight previous attempts, he has been unable to complete the career Slam.

“Watching Rory win after giving it a try for a number of years was inspiring,” he said.

“You could tell it was a harder win; most of the time he makes it look a lot easier.

“I’d love to throw my hat in the ring and give it a chance come the weekend.”

Another American keen to add to his major tally of two this week is DeChambeau.

The 31-year-old is enjoying a good run in the majors, having finished runner-up to Schauffele in last year’s US PGA before pipping McIlroy to the following month’s US Open title.

The pair were in the final Masters group at Augusta last month, and although DeChambeau faded out of contention, he is keen to “have another go at it” with McIlroy.

“It’s a golf course that sets up for his shot shapes pretty well, and it sets up well for mine, too,” he added.

“Maybe I do well, maybe I don’t. But I’m certainly going to give it my all, and I know Rory is too.”

And the statistics suggest that if you finish above McIlroy on Sunday evening, you will likely be heading home with the Wanamaker Trophy.