Darren Clarke: McIlroy’s going to get his season going

Darren Clarke last night backed Rory McIlroy to put his poor form behind him and turn on the style at this week’s Open Championship.

World No 4 McIlroy will go into tomorrow’s first round at Royal Birkdale having missed the cut in three of his last four starts since returning from a second stint on the sidelines this season with a rib injury.

It has led to talk of another slump in the 28-year-old’s rollercoaster career but after playing nine practice holes together, Clarke said he has seen enough to convince him there are good times coming.