MCILROY’S READY TO ROR AGAIN

RORY MCILROY believes he is on course to end his four-year wait for a fifth Major after coming up short at Carnoustie.

McIlroy (above) thrust himself into contention with a spectacular eagle at the 14th yesterday, but failed to pick up any shots on the closing four holes and eventually finished two adrift of Francesco Molinari.

But the Northern Irishman – followed on the course yesterday by England skipper Harry Kane (inset) – will go into the final Major of 2018, the US PGA Championship in Missouri on August 9, full of confidence.

After his closing 70 left him on a six-under total and tied second, he said: “It was really cool. I have no regrets. I played the way I wanted to play this week.

“It gives me a lot of encouragement going into the final Major of the year. I don’t really feel like it’s a defeat. I feel like it’s a good week.

“I committed to everything, I hit the shots when I needed to. I just ran out of holes.

“I hung in there, so I’ll look back and be very encouraged about what I’ve done. I feel that will stand me in good stead for what’s coming up.” And what’s coming up could be a rivalry with the rejuvenated Tiger Woods.

McIlroy added: “It’s great to have him back in the mix. This was his first taste of Major championship drama for quite a while.

“Even though he has won 14, you have to learn how to get back. It will be interesting to see going forward.”

Tommy Fleetwood saw his bid go up in smoke after he ended up tied 12th, with a final round 73, to slump back to three-under.

“I don’t want to be a baby about it, but I’m disappointed,” he said.