McIlroy helps girls get in the swing

GIRLS HOME INTERNATIONALS: Scotland's Under-18 girls' golf squad are in Rory McIlroy country near Belfast for the Girls' Home Internationals - and earlier this week they met the young superstar before he jetted off to America for this week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

McIlroy's coach, Michael Gannon, is the club pro at Bangor Golf Club, and McIlroy, who has more than one house in the neighbouring Holywood area, called in on Monday morning for a last-minute swing check.

England, who have dominated these home internationals over the years, will start favourites again. They open their campaign with a match against Ireland today, while Scotland tackle Wales. Scotland won the title in 2006 and 2007.