Rory McIlroy must get outside his settled habits

Tour players can be a curious bunch. Most are reserved, their character moulded by the endless hours spent alone on the range. Inwardly content, they have no need to seek out the social refuge of others for they are in control of their own destiny.

For the most part, their lives can be divided into two distinct periods — when they’re competing and when they’re not. And the better the player you are, the more you control your own schedule.

On tour, your best friend is probably your caddie. He is the man closest to you. He knows your ups and downs and it is his responsibility to help you be the best competitor you can be week in and week out.