[Stuart Franklin / Getty Images]
With rumours abounding in the build up to the Killarney event that Irish bagman, Colin Byrne, is in the running to replace Steve Williams and work for Tiger Woods - or at least is one of the top favourites according to the bookies - the role of Fitzgerald received some unwanted attention on Thursday.
Having taken the blame in media circles for the decision by McIlroy to select the driver on the 10th tee box at Augusta National last April, which started his nightmare round, it all seemed to fade away just as quickly at Congressional when Rory secuerd his wire to wire major win.
But in the opening round of the Irish Open McIlroy was four under after 10 holes and bogeyed the 11th, then finding water at the 18th, even though he had begun the day brightly with birdies at the fourth, sixth, eighth and 10th holes.
"I put myself in a good position but my second nine was pretty disappointing," said McIlroy.
"I played some scrappy golf on the way in and a six at the last is hard to take, but I'm still not too far away.
"The course is in great condition and has been set up really nicely.
"The greens are a little slow but at least you can be aggressive with your putts."
However McIlroy later had a Twitterspat with American commentator Jay Townsend, a former European Tour player, who now works for BBC radio.
Townsend tweeted: "McIlroy's course management was shocking. Some of the worst course management I have ever seen beyond under-10 boys' golf competition."
Unusually McIlroy replied with the words: "Shut up ... you're a commentator and a failed golfer, your opinion means nothing!"
In another part of the exchange Townsend suggested "@mcilroyrory should hire Stevie Williams, as I thought JP allowed some SHOCKING course management today."
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