RORY McILROY is being advised to “just be his own man”

by stablemate Lee Westwood as he seeks a return to form.

After missing a second successive halfway cut at The Masters three weeks ago, the Northern Ireland youngster spoke of taking a lengthy break from the game.

But he is back at the Quail Hollow Championship in North Carolina today, an event which also features Tiger Woods and the two players who finished first and second at Augusta – Phil Mickelson and Westwood.

“Rory should do whatever he wants,” said last season’s European number one.

“That’s something I’ve learnt over the past few years.

He should just be his own man, which is difficult when you’re only 20. It’s easy to listen to everybody.

‘‘I did it when I was 27, 28 and 29 when I was going through a bad patch. But having been through that, then I would say listen to what your head and your heart is telling you. Do your own thing.”

Woods has avoided rival Phil Mickelson in the draw for the opening two days at Quail Hollow.

Woods, fourth at Augusta on his return from the scandal, plays with Open champion Stewart Cink and last year’s Masters champion Angel Cabrera.

Mickelson partners Jim Furyk and South Africa’s Rory Sabbatini.