Mcilroy will have to use Head after Schwab slip

HOPES were sky high for Rory Mcilroy at the Charles Schwab Challenge but he faltered badly on Sunday and a final round four-over saw him hit the ground with a thump.

Heading to Texas, the World No1 hadn’t been outside the top five of a tournament since a T26 at the Alfred Dunhill in September.

But after a run of seven events inside the top-five and a three month break because of the coronavirus, Rory was reminded how fickle and frustrating the sport can be.

The concern for Mcilroy is that he is embarking on a schedule that he has never played before and the courses don’t really complement his skill set.

On the plus side he should enjoy the fact that this week’s challenge at Hilton Head will ask different questions than the Colonial Country Club.

It is a narrow test where power is of little advantage, while a swirling breeze among the pines will remind him of Wentworth where he launched his fruitful summer of 2014.

Despite his Sunday meltdown, it was great to see Mcilroy back on our TV screens and you can be sure he will be determined to offer a marked improvement this week.

Shane Lowry and Gmac both had the weekend off and they will relish their trip to Hilton Head for this week’s RBC Heritage.

Gmac won here in 2013 and Lowry went close last year with a T3 finish.

It is a shot maker’s paradise and both will be keen to capitalise after lockdown.