Rory McIlroy, the number nine-ranked golfer in the world, has added sports psychologist Bob Rotella to his team.

Rotella is credited with making a major contribution to Padraig Harrington's breakthrough to become a multiple major winner.

McIlroy, who despite the amazing buzz he has created in his short professional career, still only has one professional win on his ledger.

“It's not that I think anything is wrong with me or my game,” said the Down native of his decision to work with Rotella.

“I just think that he can help me in some way and it's definitely not going to hurt.

“I feel as if my putting can get better and I think he can point me in the right direction with pre-shot routine, how to think leading up to hitting the putt. Stuff like that.

“I've read all of his books over the years and find what he says really interesting and appealing.

“I think this could make a couple of shots' difference in tournaments and hopefully turn my top-threes and top-fives into wins. If that happens, it'll be a very worthwhile exercise.

“This is about getting experience and thinking about things at the right time — not hitting it longer or anything like that.”