“JT is going to be OK. JT is one of the most talented guys out here.  He shot 69 at the TPC a couple of years ago in 40 hour winds and I always remind him of it…if JT put on that kind of display in those conditions yeah. We all go through bad patches. There’s not one golfer in the world who hasn’t”

So said Rory McIlroy last night after Justin Thomas departed the Championship at +11, after rounds of 82 and 71 with his place on the American Ryder Cup team in jeopardy.

If JT doesn’t automatically qualify for the team for the matches in Rome he’s not going to petition captain Zach Johnson for a spot.

His rounds here in Hoylake had 8 bogeys, 2 double bogeys and a snowman +1, an horrendous 9 Quadruple bogey on day 1.  He’s missed the cut in 3 of 4 majors this year.

He was perplexed by his score on day one after he said he had hit some quality shots. But he admits that he’s making mistakes that he did as a junior golfer 20 years ago.

“I don’t know if it’s a focus thing or I’m just putting too much pressure on myself or what it is. I’m trying not to dwell on it”.

After shooting the 82, and despite the fact that links golf demands accuracy and restraint he decided to take out his driver.

He didn’t hold back or lay up as he had nothing to lose. And he turned in an impressive 71.

“I’m hitting a lot of good shots, I’m just making so many bonehead mistakes and crazy things are happening. But I’ll be fine”.

When asked if he will be coming back to England to watch Leeds United – the team he and Jordan Spieth have invested in – JT grinned.

“I’d like to. But I gotta figure out this sport first”.