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Rory McIlroy hasn't enjoyed the best 2013 so far, failing to make the cut in the British andIrish Opens and losing his position as the World's No 1.
So perhaps in a bid to reverse his recent run of form, McIlroy has gone for a severe haircut as he prepares to defend his US PGA title at Oak Hill.
While his baseball cap was covering the severity of his cut, Rory looked like he meant business on the practice round this afternoon.
After a decent start at the Bridgestone Invitational at the weekend, he fell away and eventually finished in 27th place.
One of his own backroom team,Dave Stockton said that the Holywood star will have to 'work' harder to get back to the top of his game.
As McIlroy spoke more in hope than confidence of defending his US PGA title at Oak Hill, Stockton – one of his closest and most knowledgeable advisors – explained how the most naturally gifted golfer of his generation lost his Midas touch.
Two-time PGA champion Stockton is McIlroy's putting coach but also played a significant part in helping the 24-year-old break out of a form slump this time last year.
Stockton (71) said: "I just don't think he has worked."
The highly respected veteran suggested that the head-spinning changes in the young star's life as he rocketed to World No 1 made it difficult to strike the right balance in his career and devote enough time to playing tournaments and practice.
Asked if he thought it was inevitable for McIlroy to come down from the stellar highs of last year, Stockton replied: "I don't think so. I think he is still learning what he wants in life. That's my take on it.
"He has a girlfriend and all these things going on. Things happen, so okay, how do you adjust? I think his is more of a time (management) thing.
