Rory needs consistent voice in his ear to fire his genius

RORY MCILROY will be eager to put his injury drama to one side in the Fedex Cup play-offs.

After ditching plans to take a break until the New Year, it’s a chance to get us talking about his golf again. Am I surprised he has opted to play on? No. For one, he’ll be eager to defend his Fedex title.

Like I also said last week, I don’t think you can strike the ball the distance he does if you’re carrying a serious injury.

Mcilroy will have Harry Diamond on his bag at this week’s Northern Trust – the first of four events in the cash-rich climax to the PGA season.

I now fully expect Harry to caddie for Rory until the end of 2017, mainly because it’s a period of transition and as things stand he is the safe and solid option.

I’ve always believed Mcilroy needs to adapt his course management style and this is where a new caddie may help.

He needs to let go a little and start listening to those around him.

He has been a strong willed individual for most of his off course career as the likes of Chubby Chandler and Conor Ridge will testify.

Both former agents were set adrift when Mcilroy felt he needed a fresh start. Having an unflinching conviction in your business dealings

Matsuyama leads the way at the Fedex Cup summit

is all very well but I hope Rory cuts his new caddie some slack.

I’ve always felt he makes too many on-course decisions and needs a strong, consistent voice in his ear to compliment his genius.

Letting go is often the toughest thing for a golfer to do but that’s what’s required now.

There’s no doubt the aura of Mcilroy’s game has waned recently so he’ll be keen to lay down a marker in the play-offs.

And as we saw with Henrik Stenson at last week’s Wyndham Championship, sometimes the best catalyst for a revival is winning.

Who will lift this year’s Fedex Cup title? Well, Rory is 44th in the rankings and has ground to make up, while Hideki Matsuyama leads the way at the summit.

Hideki will still be sore at how he let slip his chance to win a first Major at Quail Hollow and will be determined to end his PGA campaign on a high.

He is there to be shot at while Justin Thomas and Open champion Jordan Spieth are second and third respectively and chasing the PGA Tour player of the year award.

What will separate them is how they perform in the play-offs.

Dustin Johnson has struggled for form since his fall prior to Augusta but he is still World No1 while Ricky Fowler has the most top-10 finishes this season. Both of them will be worth watching.

With Mcilroy back in the frame, it is shaping up for a Stateside shootout.

COME ON CHAMP Mcilroy is back to defend his Fedex Cup title with Harry Diamond still on the bag (left)