IS MONKEY OFF RORY’S BACK?

Rory McIlroy plays with a spider monkey at an animal sanctuary in Mexico

IT’S a curious thing that while Rory mcIlroy continues to be slapped around at home, he looks more content than ever and is playing as such with four top-five finishes from four starts on the PGA Tour this season. Last week came the latest wave of criticism, as he was lambasted in Ireland for saying he will not be at the Irish open in July. Never mind that this was not only old news to anyone paying attention, his decision actually makes perfect sense. Who needs a week’s hype just a fortnight before the momentousness of the open being played in your Northern Ireland home for the first time in your lifetime? meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, looking composed on the greens and confident off the tee, he didn’t manage to reel in an imperious Dustin Johnson for the WGC-mexico Championship. But he left everyone feeling he’s one win away from one of those streaks where he is all but unbeatable. Add that to the fact his latest attempt at the career Grand Slam is moving into view, isn’t this a time to get enthused about mcIlroy?