RAMP UP THE ROR

A home Open with massive support and a better bag of shots than 2019 is the perfect tonic for Mcllroy to sort out his history-making Masters hangover

- EXCLUSIVE 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 capping his career Grand Slam at the Masters in April.

But former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes that 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 Sky Sports Golf analyst McGinley. "He has talked about his motivation - but what can be more motivating than playing at an Open Championship a few miles up the road from where you were brought up, on a golf course you are very familiar with, in front of your home crowd?

"He will certainly be energised around that. Rory will have huge support behind him and it also looks like there are a couple of green shoots in terms of his form."