McIlroy needs to step up when on home soil

RORY McILROY felt he had an ‘obligation’ to revive the Irish Open, which he has done splendidly at Portstewart this week where five of the world’s top 15 players were among those chasing the $7m purse.

The world number four also had an obligation to perform, not just to the spectators — many of whom took the weekend off to cheer him on — but to his vast army of sponsors who understandably want to be associated with the best.

McIlroy, who missed the cut by five shots, has long admired Jack Nicklaus, winner of 18 majors, and runner-up in 19.

He could do worse than learn from the way Nicklaus dealt with adversity.

In the 1981 Open at Royal St George’s, Nicklaus shot 83 in the opening round, his worst in any major, and was asked afterwards what he was going to do?

‘Shoot a 66 tomorrow to make the cut,’ he replied.

He did just that and eventually finished tied 23rd behind Bill Rogers.

It was typical of Nicklaus that he found a way to getting the job done, even though he knew he couldn’t win the tournament.

McIlroy should have been able to do the same at Portstewart even without being on top of his game.

For all the talk that McIlroy needs a spark to catch fire, he must also find a way of grinding out scores, especially on home turf.

Four missed cuts in five Irish Opens simply isn’t good enough for a player of his ability.