8 Aug 2013

New-look McIlroy expects to turn corner at PGA Championships

11:45 am on 8 August 2013

The Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy starts his title defence at the PGA Championship with a change in hairstyle and fervent hopes for a turnaround in form.

McIlroy has struggled with his form all year since he changed club makers to join Nike in a deal reported to be worth $US250 million over 10 years.

In 12 starts on this year's PGA Tour, he's had just four top-10 finishes, and he missed the cut at the recent British Open, but right now he feels more confident than he's been all year.

And it'll be a new-look McIlroy at the Oak Hill course in New York, his trademark curly locks having become short back and sides.