I called it wrong on Pete but got it right on Rory

RORY MCILROY won for the first time in 554 days at Quail Hollow and I’m glad to say I predicted it in last week’s column.

The fact he was an attractive 16/1 shot probably helped – but it turned out to be an inspired pick as he ended the second longest drought of his career.

It was also a massive shot in the arm 10 days out from the USPGA.

I had doubts when Rory signed up with new coach Pete Cowen that the partnership would pay off. I wondered if the Englishman’s dogmatic approach would help or hinder.

Six weeks later, I don’t mind admitting I was wrong.

After Wells Fargo, Cowen noted that Mcilroy is “very dangerous when he feels comfortable” and he’s helping the four-time major winner feel more comfortable with his game.

Yes, he has tweaked a few things but it’s more a case of evolution than revolution.

I talked up Mcilroy in last week’s column for several reasons, not least the fact he had won twice before at Wells Fargo in 2010 and 2015.

He was also coming off the back of a three week break after missing the cut at the Masters and that gave his new alliance with Cowen time to bed in away from the rigours and scrutiny of tournament play.

If a player of Rory’s class and a renowned coach like Cowen can’t figure things out in that time frame, the relationship is dead in the water before it starts.

Having that time together will have been a massive help.

I’ve always felt that some tour coaches hang around tournaments too much and they risk becoming a crutch for their players.

I was guilty of falling back on my coach back in the day, but I now realise an over reliance gives you license to pass the buck. It discourages personal accountability.

Given it’s also a lucrative business, sometimes it suits the latest ‘swing guru’ to be a recognisable face. It’s a form of product placement.

Thankfully, Cowen isn’t one of those coaches and he realises less is more. He gets his work done early in the week and exits stage left.

It was interesting to learn that Rory has also been working with renowned sports psychologist Dr Bob Rotella. I’d urge you to buy one of Rotella’s books – they are simple but brilliant.

After his first win in 18 months at Quail Hollow, an upbeat Rory told the media: “It’s satisfying to see the work is paying off, but it’s just the start.”

On last week’s evidence, I believe him.

Golf travels in cycles and Rory is back in the saddle.

Some coaches run the risk of being a crutch for their player