On a scale of 1-10 how happy do you think Rory is? 

He’s done it again with his fourth win of the year and third WGC title in a year where he has regularly talked about perspective and patience. But what do we really think is going on inside his head? Alex Perry, Steve Carroll and Joe Hughes join me to delve into Rory McIlroy’s head…

Alex:He has won more titles in the last year alone than 99 per cent of tour golfers will win in an entire career. He has more than 100 million big ones in the bank, a happy home life, and gets to have forced banter with Tiger Woods in TaylorMade and Nike adverts. I reckon he’s all right.

I’ll give him 9 out of 10 – and that missed one is purely because he hasn’t got that Green Jacket in his wardrobe. Yet. But that will be added in April so we’re all good. 

Joe: Thinking purely in golf/career terms I’d say he’s at an 8. 

Despite what Rory says, there’s no way he can be completely content while not winning majors. He simply should be and he’ll know that.

I’m sure his triumph in the Player of the Year battle gave him a nice boost but once he gets back among the majors is when he’ll really feel satisfied.

Steve: Happier than me, that’s for sure. Only a major could have topped off this year and, though it seems the only metric which anyone else uses to judge him, I reckon he’s easy going enough to know they will soon be flowing again. I would go for a 9.

My verdict: I would go for something between 9 and 10, which generally means 9.5. When McIlroy speaks there is rarely, if ever, any bluster so why would he not take him at his word and just trust that he’s in a really good place?

We quickly forget that his golf has been a bit wonky in recent years and this is a golden period for the boy wonder. He’s reading the right books and is winning big and winning regularly and he looks a lot less flustered than in recent times.

All good things to those who wait…