McIlroy and Lowry looking to rediscover top form

Rory McIlroy was demoted to world number two after Rahm’s Memorial victory, five months after regaining top spot for the first time since 2015. He has a chance to win back the premier ranking at his first opportunity in Memphis. Picture: AP/Darron Cummings

With the first major of this pandemic-hit season just around the corner, this week’s WGC-FedEx St Jude Championship in Memphis would be the ideal time for Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry to find some convincing form.

The emergence from a Covid-enforced three-month competitive lay-off has not seen either of the Irish pair at anywhere near their best, with McIlroy’s loss of his world number one ranking to Jon Rahm at the Memorial a fortnight ago only emphasising the struggle.