McIlroy hoping getting back to the basics will spark revival

Rory McIlroy believes returning to his Holywood roots and playing a social round of golf in the company of his best mates could lead to him finally breaking loose from a disappointing first half of the season.

After hopelessly missing the cut in last fortnight’s British Open at Muirfield, McIlroy got in contact with three of his closest mates – Harry Diamond, Ricky McCormick and Mitchell Tweedie.

The four headed out late last week playing a number of courses including his beloved Holywood where McCormick in now the resident pro.