Layoff will not help Rory’s cause

It’s hard not to talk about Rory McIlroy these days, even when he is not competing.

With Tiger Woods roaring back into form, the stage is set for an intriguing head to head in Augusta next week between the pair.

McIlroy’s recent form is staggering but he is well aware that his true greatness in the game will be defined by the number of major championships he secures. With just one such trophy in the locker, he still has much to do just to surpass Pádraig Harrington’s three and a career of hard graft to come anywhere near emulating Woods (14) and Jack Nicklaus’s record tally of 18.