Published Sunday, 31 July 2011
England's Simon Dyson completed a month to remember by winning the Irish Open in Killarney on Sunday.
The 33-year-old from York took the first prize of over £221,000 a fortnight after finishing ninth in The Open - an event he went into as fifth reserve less than a week before it started.
McDowell came 25th and McIlroy 34th, while Harrington and Clarke, in his first appearance since winning The Open, both missed the cut.
Harrington, down from third in the world to 64th, has now decided to drop Bob Torrance as his coach after 15 years together.
"We are having a break because I am getting very frustrated," said the Dubliner, who has not won in Europe or America since his 2008 US PGA triumph.
Torrance, the 79-year-old father of ex-Ryder Cup captain Sam, responded: "He's like a son to me and I hope we can get back together.
"I wasn't really expecting this, but I know he's been unhappy. His game is in a bad shape because of his mind - I've said that to him - but he's determined to make changes."
McIlroy, 25th in The Open, has only just clung onto fourth place in the world as he heads back to America seven weeks after his runaway US Open triumph.
"It wasn't the result I was looking for, but this was the first week of three," said the 22-year-old after a closing 71. "Next week is big, but the week after (the US PGA in Atlanta) is the most important one.
"I feel if I put the work in there's no reason why I can't have another good shot at a major."
McDowell, one better on four under after a 70, stated: "I took some really good steps forward on my short game. I was dejected at The Open (he missed the cut there like Harrington), but my attitude was a lot better here."
On Harrington's off-course decision last year's US Open champion added: "When things are tough for a long period the golf course is a lonely place and you question everything; your approach physically and mentally, coaches, manager, caddie.
"You soul search. Sometimes you need to change things when it's not working and have someone else's take on what you're up to."