McIlroy to work on his US draft

RORY McILROY’S eagerly-awaited return to golf’s front line this week may allow a little scope for a final round of Irish Open enrolment.

As tournament host, McIlroy has swung entries from two of the sports’ biggest names, Hideki Matsuyama and Jon Rahm.

Including himself, three of the world’s top 10 are committed to Portstewart on July 6-9, along with Justin Rose, the world No. 11.

McIlroy isn’t finished with his draft yet and will shake plenty of hands in Wisconsin on his return this week.

All that’s missing is a high-powered American presence to rekindle memories of Portmarnock in the 1970s when Lee Trevino, Tom Weiskopf, Hubert Green, Ben Crenshaw and Billy Casper – all major winners – headlined the event.

McIlroy knows it and he’s said to have Jordan Spieth in his sights. What a coup the two-time major winner would be.