CHARLIE MULQUEEN: McIlroy bidding to conjure up more Quail Hollow magic

Rory McIlroy is hoping the old racing adage about horses for courses holds true this week when he returns to action in the Wells Fargo Championship on the PGA US Tour in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In 2011, McIlroy was still four days short of his 20th birthday when he shot a sensational final round of 62 to emerge winner at Quail Hollow by four shots from Phil Mickelson. Last year, he finished in a tie with Rickie Fowler and DA Points before losing to a birdie by the former at the first tie hole. Even then, he had another reason to love the venue given that second place clinched leadership of the world rankings for the first time.

McIlroy’s victory two years ago, shooting 62 on the final day, remains one of the most remarkable in recent years on the US circuit. Nevertheless, he insisted the most important shot he made happened two days previously.