Return of a fit and sharp Mcilroy is a boost to the sport

As Rory Mcilroy put his feet up in the sun yesterday – he gave himself a deserved day off – the Ulsterman had good reason to feel content.

He may have narrowly missed out yet again on the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship – that’s eight times he has finished fifth or better in that event – but, in the grand scheme of things, that was a mild disappointment.

After all, on his return to competitive golf after a three-month break, Mcilroy ticked every single box for the season ahead, leaving him excited for events that will come thick and fast over the next few weeks.

At times last season, including his missed cut at the Scottish Open, Mcilroy’s game was ragged, but not now.

It is looking sharp again and, based on what we saw last week, that points to the 28-year-old not having to wait too long before he returns to winning ways.

Health-wise, too, he is in a better place than last year, having used that self-enforced break to finally get over a rib problem that cropped up 12 months ago and hampered him throughout last season.

“My body held up really well,” he said. “It’s something that I’m wary of now and know that there’s certain vulnerabilities in my body. I used to have to look after my lower back in the early days and now that’s fine.

“It’s something I’m going to have to keep on top of, but it’s totally fine. I’m 100 per cent.”

Welcome back Rory because, on and off the course, you really are a wonderful ambassador for the game.