Former US Open winner, Graeme McDowell jumps back into the deep end of competition this week but finds himself having to handle questions about good friend and World No. 1 Rory McIlroy.

After we reported McIlroy was practicing last week in Monte Carlo but his whereabouts at present remains a mystery but then he’s  been spotted on the side of a San Diego building (see snap below).

One thing is certain the double Major winner golfer is not joining McDowell at this week’s Northern Open in LA.

It’s been three weeks since McIlroy’s crimson-faced embarrassment in Abu Dhabi but McDowell believes it’s not the new Nike clubs but what’s between McIlroy’s ears.

“When you’re as talented as Rory McIlroy, I don’t really care what your driver says, don’t care what your iron says or what your golf ball says,” said McDowell.

“When you’re as good as he is, it’s a transition that should be pretty straightforward for him to make. The biggest hurdle that he has right now is in his mind, the pressure that is put on him by the world media, by people, and most importantly that he’s put on himself from inside him. You’ve just got to get across the hurdle of playing well a few times with the new equipment.

“He’s a talented kid. I’ve never seen a guy make the game look so easy. It doesn’t matter what it says on the back of his iron. He’ll be OK, and it’s just a matter of time before he settles down and comes to terms with what’s in his heads in regards to the pressures he’s created for himself.”

A mural of Rory McIlroy appearing on the side of a San Diego building.