Inquest begins into Rory collapse

THE role of caddie JP Fitzgerald during Rory McIlroy’s final round Masters meltdown is set to form an integral part of the inquest into the collapse of the 21-year-old on Sunday night.

Much of the focus will settle on the Dublin native who was at McIlroy’s side for the triumphs at the Quail Hollow Championship and the Ryder Cup along with the collapses at the Open Championship at St Andrews last July and now at Augusta National.

The man on the bag has a crucial role to play when trouble threatens. Many have been blamed for failing to keep their man cool in a crisis or to offer timely advice on club selection and general course management.