McIlroy scouts Pinehurst
Rory McIlroy has planned a reconnaissance mission at Pinehurst as he prepares for the US Open.
The Northern Irishman came back from seven shots to win at the BMW PGA Championship and carded a scintillating nine under 63 in the first round at Memorial before collapsing to a second round 78.
At last year’s event, McIlroy finished on 14 over for a share of 41st position. The world number six will no doubt be looking to improve on that.
“It’s going to be a different US Open,” revealed the 25-year-old, who is favourite with Paddy Power to win at Pinehurst.
It’s going to be a US Open we aren’t used to seeing in terms of how it plays off the tee. You’re going to have to use a lot of imagination around the greens, bump it into slopes, putt up the hills. There’s going to be a lot of visualization and imagination needed.
“And that’s why I’m going to go up there early and see what I need, what different shots I need around the greens.
“But from what I hear, I’m looking forward to the fairways being a little more generous than they usually are at a US Open and it will encourage guys to get driver in their hand.
McIlroy was in the hunt for a win at Merion last year, being one over par after two rounds. But rounds of 75 and 76 held him back.
“It’s going to be a long golf course and you can be aggressive off the tee, which obviously I like, he added.
So I am really looking forward to seeing it next week and seeing what type of challenges it’s going to present.”
Meanwhile, Graeme McDowell has already completed a few practice rounds at Pinehurst in preparation for the June 12th event.
“I really enjoyed it,” said the 2010 champion, whose odds are slightly longer with Paddy Power.
“First and foremost, it was very difficult. It’s great to be back at Pinehurst. 2005 was the first major championship cut I ever made. I have good memories here at Pinehurst but it is a very different looking golf course that what I remember in ’05.
“The restoration is amazing. I just love the sight lines and the way everything frames up right now. Standing on tee boxes and seeing the edges and really feeling some of these fairways, it’s a great test of golf.”
Latest
-
NewsRory McIlroy flying high after opening round of US Open at Winged Foot
The Northern Irishman is two shots behind leader Justin Thomas, who shot a five-under-par 65 at Winged Foot.
-
NewsA little more relaxation brings a little more action for Rory McIlroy at US Open
The Northern Irishman shot 67 on the opening day to sit two behind clubhouse leader Justin Thomas.
-
NewsPrayers answered for Rory McIlroy as US Open hopeful makes speedy start
The Northern Irishman is two shots off the lead after an opening 67 at Winged Foot.
-
NewsRory McIlroy makes strong start at US Open
The Northern Irishman is bidding to claim a first major title since the 2014 US PGA Championship.
-
NewsWATCH: Tiger, Rory, Rahm and DJ on what makes Winged Foot so difficult
Golf’s big buns give their thoughts on the tough test that lies ahead at the US Open.
-
NewsWATCH: Social media star pays tribute to Mickelson with special US Open song
Take a listen to the most heartfelt and emotional song about Phil Mickelson ever created.
-
News5 talking points ahead of the 120th US Open
We look at five talking points ahead of the year’s second major championship
-
NewsAll eyes on USGA when the 120th US Open gets under way at Winged Foot
The fact that last year’s championship took place without controversy over the set up of the course was a welcome relief for the organisation.
-
US OpenTiger Woods ranks Winged Foot as one of the most difficult courses ever
Tiger Woods is under no illusions as to the challenges facing the field when the US Open tees off at Winged Foot on Thursday.
-
NewsOn This Day in 2004: US power couple Phil and Tiger tamed by Europe at Ryder Cup
Woods and Mickelson were ranked second and fourth in the world respectively but Montgomerie and Harrington bested them.