Frustrating start for McIlroy
Rory McIlroy was left to rue several missed opportunities as he opened with a one-over-par 71 at the US Open on Thursday.
The round still leaves him very much in the hunt with the leaders hovering at around two under par at the time he reached the clubhouse, but the Northern Irishman will still know it could have been much better.
McIlroy missed good birdie chances on the first two holes, from 20 feet at the first but just four feet on the second, and was unable to birdie the par-5 fifth, in contrast to his playing partner Graeme McDowell.
Birdies at nine and 18 were also erased by dropped shots at the sixth, seventh and 16th.
While his putter didn’t give him much joy, McIlroy was impressed with the rest of his game.
“I played beautifully from tee to green and really happy with that,” he said. “I’m just going to work a little bit on my speed on the greens. If I can get that dialed in, then pretty confident going into the next three days.
“The only thing I was frustrated on was more the speed of how I hit the putts,” he added. “It wasn’t so much they missed. Even if they missed, if they were a better speed I would be a bit more happy with that.”
Latest
-
NewsRory McIlroy determined to boost Masters chances by cutting out mistakes
The Northern Irishman has gone six years without adding to his four major titles.
-
NewsRoss McGowan ends long wait with win at Italian Open
The Englishman had just one European Tour top 10 in four seasons when he arrived at Chervo Golf Club.
-
NewsTyrell Hatton: It’s much ado about a hoodie
Tyrell Hatton his happy to be turning heads with his hoodie, which has made unexpected waves.
-
NewsRory McIlroy acknowledges dry spell ahead of Zozo Championship
Rory McIlroy sees this weeks’ Zozo Championship as an opportunity to end his win drought and gain some confidence.
-
NewsTiger Woods feeling in form as he returns to Sherwood in build-up to Masters
The 44-year-old is happy with his game as Masters season begins in earnest.
-
NewsJason Kokrak: I couldn’t be happier
Jason Kokrak was beaming from ear to ear having finally earned his maiden PGA Tour title on Sunday.
-
NewsSpain’s Adrian Otaegui finishes with a flourish to win Scottish Championship
The Spaniard now has a professional victory in three different formats of the game.
-
NewsThe Rise of Golf: Increasing Popularity of Golf in the US
Golf is played across the US and it’s gaining popularity amongst many Americans.
-
NewsMatt Wallace reaping rewards from taking pressure off his performances
There are seven British players in the top ten at Fairmont St Andrews.
-
The 19th HoleWATCH: Golf cameraman falls on live TV!
A cameraman took an unexpected tumble on live TV during the opening round of golf’s Scottish Championship!