Rory is back

Form can be so fragile and in golf, more than any other sport, its loss can be permanent. Will Tiger Woods win another major and catch Jack Nicklaus? Probably not. The Golden Bear won his final Masters, with his son caddying, aged 46.

We were all worried last year for Rory McIlroy. Already with 2 majors under his belt 3 changes affected his form: he changed his clubs, management company and partner. Looking more stable this year, he would have won in Turkey but for being penalised 2 shots for one of those fussy infringements no one understands. At the moment he is leading the Dubai classic by one stroke. He is swinging like a millionaire and putting lethally. That crucial shot of pitching close to the pin is in the bag. He is a lovely lad, who practised diligently when his form deserted him, with a beautiful swing. One of the charms of golf is its fellowship. He received first rate support and advice from Graeme McDowell. GMac, Pod  Harrington and Rory have all been major winners: quite a triumph for Ireland. Till the Europeans were admitted, the  Ryder Cup was one-sided but Great Britain and Ireland can probably beat the USA now.

American golf is in a strange state. The two heavy hitters, Woods and Mickelson, look over the hill. Dustin Johnson, Hunter Mahan,  and Ricky Fowler yet to win a major but there is a crop of outstanding youngsters like Jordan Spieth, Gary Woodland, Billy Herschel, Kevin Chappell who all have enormous potential . Watch out too for Peter Uhlein, the son of the Chief Executive of Titleist, who did well on the European Tour last year.

In the meantime Rory should win at Dubai and be favourite for his first  green jacket come Augusta in the spring.