Rory McIlroy came back tired, but wiser from America and now has a well-earned rest before continuing his impressive start and rapid climb up the world rankings.
Rory's debut at The Masters was well chronicled and I am sure he will be a force for many years at Augusta National, recently ranked America's No.1 course. The crowds really appreciate his style and character and, now having seen him, appreciate why he has come so far so quickly.
The experience at the year's first grand slam event proved extremely useful, but also draining and I'm sure Rory was pleased to be heading home after four rounds at the Verizon Heritage Classic in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Our representatives gave a good account of themselves on the other side of the world last week with three finishing in the top 10 in the Volvo China Open. Richard Finch led into the last round, but faded to end the event tied for third with Mark Brown.
Paul McGinley showed a very welcome return to form to finish eighth while Andrew Coltart continued his impressive start to the season with tied 11th alongside Simon Dyson. Branden Grace in 16th ensured we had six players in the top 20.
While Rory takes it easy for a fortnight, there is no rest for Ernie Els, who finished his three-week stretch in America by jumping on a flight to Korea for this week's Ballantine's event. He will be joined by Lee Westwood who is looking forward to a busy summer in Europe and America.
