MCILROY HAPPY HOMECOMING

Portrush can put Rory back on track after his din in form

- By Neil Squires

RORY MCILROY has been backed to banish his post-Augusta blues when he plays his 'home' Open this week.

The Northern Irishman admits he has struggled for motivation since completing the career Grand Slam at the Masters in April.

But former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes the familiar air of Portrush, where McIlroy shot a course record 61 as a 16-year-old, will inspire him to rediscover his best golf.

"There's always a next level for Rory," said McGinley. "He has talked about his motivation but what can be more motivating than playing an Open Championship a few miles up the road from where you are brought up, on a golf course you are very familiar with in front of your home crowd? He'll certainly be energised around that.

"He will have huge support behind him and it looks like there are a couple of green shoots in terms of his form."