Rory’s new date with destiny

RORY McILROY passed one difficult test with such ease three weeks ago that it would be all too easy to assume he can pass another one this weekend at Royal St George’s.

No-one could deny the 22-year-old his due in overcoming the demons of that nightmare final Masters round, fixing his head and the flaws in his game and winning his first major at the US Open nine weeks later, let alone by eight strokes. It was a remarkable achievement and a testament to maturity way beyond the Holywood golfer’s years and experience.

Yet McIlroy has another, tougher examination to pass at the British Open on England’s Kent coast this week, and with the wind forecasted to blow up to 30 miles per hour during each round, there are more questions to be answered this week, more demons to be banished and plenty of rivals ready, able and waiting to claim the Claret Jug.