Has every cloud got a silver lining?

“It wasn’t the best year for me at the majors but there is always next year. I feel progress has been good. I have been hitting the ball well and playing well. I hope there will be more positives by the end of the season.”

Who uttered these words over the last few days? Rory McIlroy? Padraig Harrington? Or was it one of the many other golfers struggling to come to grips with a serious dip in form but adamant they can regain old glories?

In fact, it was McIlroy’s girlfriend, the former world number one tennis player Caroline Wozniacki speaking after she was knocked out of the US Open at Flushing Meadow by a qualifier. It seems the sports psychologists employed by players in both disciplines speak the same language – never admit publicly your game is in a slump and constantly remind the media every cloud has a silver lining. However, when you have been listening to much of the same for the best part of 12 months, it becomes increasingly more difficult.