Rory McIlroy believes this year could be his biggest yet and is keen to overtake Nick Faldo’s record of winning six major titles.

That would make the Northern Irishman Europe’s most successful golfer ever and, after claiming his third title of season at the weekend, confidence levels could not be higher.

The four-time major champion claimed the Wells Fargo Championship in North Carolina by seven shots on Sunday and this week begins the defence of his PGA Championship title at Wentworth.

“This year can be even bigger than last year,” McIlroy said. “I have already got three wins and it is only the middle of May. There is still a lot of golf to play. I feel like my game is in real good shape.

“There is a WGC title already in there and there are three more majors to play. What I would love to do is beat my record of five wins in a year and I have got off to a great start in that regard.

“I’ve played well before at Whistling Straits (US Open venue) and St Andrews (Open venue) and I think they represent great opportunities for me to do well again.

“I definitely feel that it is my time. It is a great opportunity to win tournaments and try and get my major tally up there. It’s not just about me, golf is not just about one person. The next realistic goal would be to try and beat Faldo’s record as the best European ever.”

McIlroy is the hot 3.50 favourite to win the BMW PGA which gets underway on Thursday, with his good friend, Justin Rose, priced at 11.00.

Francesco Molinari, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood are all priced at 26.00.