The golfing world could be on the brink of witnessing one of the truly greatest rivalries of all time.

The PGA Championship in two weeks could be theatre to stage the first act in what could become an almighty epic between two fantastically talented young guns of the game.

Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth are on a collision course, of that there is no doubt.

The Northern Irishman seems to be regaining his long lost form, while Spieth is just getting started on what threatens to be one of the most memorable careers of the lot, but how do the two compare to those who have gone before them?

Spieth, who turns 24 this week, already has his name engraved on three of the four Major titles available.

The American demonstrated a level of maturity and level headedness well beyond his years during his final round run in on his way to The Open title at Royal Birkdale, and is well on track to crossing the PGA Championship off his list of Major titles.

You only need to compare Spieth's current tally to that of some of the greats of the game at the same age to realise the potential he has to become one of the best ever.

At 24, Tiger Woods had won two titles, McIlroy two, and Jack Nicklaus three.

Of course, Woods then went on a rampage, winning six more titles in the next three years, but for now, Spieth is keeping pace. What is even more exciting is that Spieth's swing, according to experts, is far more sustainable than Woods', who has fallen foul to countless issues with his body in the latter part of his career.

Jack Nicklaus, on the other hand, played in 100 Majors to earn his tally of 18 wins.

During an illustrious career spanning several decades, Nicklaus proved that slow and steady really does win the race. Tiger Woods was well on track to zoom past Nicklaus' record, but personal issues and an ageing body have failed the American spectacularly over the last few years.

McIlroy has struggled with injuries this year, while Spieth looks like he could play for another age and a half.

While he might not be as talented as Tiger Woods was in his prime, Spieth's unrivalled grit and humility will go along way during what promises to be a remarkable career. There is still a long way to go, but the numbers look good for the champion golfer of the year.

As they do for Rory McIlroy as well.

You simply cannot rule the Northern Irishman out. McIlroy is a precocious talent with an unquenchable desire to win, and along with the rest of the golfing fraternity, will be desperate to do everything he can to prevent the formation of a Jordan Spieth dynasty, while perhaps doing something of which he is also perfectly capable of and building one of his own.

Expect fireworks at Quail Hollow.