Rory McIlroy has been watching videos of some of his previous wins on YouTube, including the 2014 Open Championship in Royal Liverpool.
McIlroy said on Friday, after his second round at the U.S. Open: “I couldn’t believe the number of irons, 3-woods and other stuff I was hitting from the tee.” It set off something in my head about how you can do it. You are a smart player. You don’t need to use driver every time. It’s an advantage, yes. “I feel I have more weapons now than when I was younger, so why not use them?”
The four-time major winner has a club worth 15 .
McIlroy said, “I have had periods in the past few years when I wasn’t patient enough and took on too much.” “But I believe we’ve recently had some tests where you need to show patience. Hopefully, those few experiences will help me this week.”
The 2011 champion will head into the weekend at -8.@McIlroyRory #USOpen pic.twitter.com/qOlTuWnRvo
U.S. Open Golf (@usopengolf). 16 June 2023
McIlroy, who played 36 holes at Los Angeles Country Club’s famed course in the second round of 3-under 67, is now back at 8-under after 36 holes. The 34-year old had a great start to the week on Thursday but his tee-time off the back of the course Friday morning was not as welcoming. McIlroy’s first four holes were bogeyed on two occasions. The par-4 12 is where McIlroy’s lone birdie on his first nine holes was sandwiched between Nos. A bogey on No. McIlroy made the turn at 17 with 2 over. The Northern Irishman was back in the birdie mode immediately, with circles appearing on his scorecard. He made birdies at 1, 3, and 4 before adding his last bogey for the round. 4. McIlroy then birdied his final five holes, shooting 30 for the second straight round.
“Yeah. Obviously, at least for myself, there is a significant difference in my score from the front to the back nine. The front nine offers some scoring chances and you have some wedges to hand. There are also a few par 5s. Sixth hole,” said McIlroy. “Yeah. The back nine is a lot more difficult. The last three holes — 16, 17, 18 are challenging even in benign conditions. It’s like a golf course, where you have to score well on the front before trying to hold on to the back.
McIlroy, like most of the 156 golfers in the field, was surprised by the low scores posted by Xander Schauffele, and Rickie fowler. Both players shot 8-under 62s, setting a new record for the lowest round in U.S. Open’s history. The U.S. Open’s first-round scoring average was 71.38, the lowest in history.
“I didn’t think the scores were as low as they actually are.” McIlory said that the conditions were overcast yesterday and the little rain in the early morning meant the course was never firm. The conditions are a bit brighter, sunnier and there’s even a slight breeze. It could get a bit firmer and quicker over the next few days, which would increase the scores a bit.
We’ll find out at the end. “It’s only early in the week.”
McIlroy had a lot of close calls in the past year, particularly at majors. In 2022, he was runner-up in the Masters and eighth at the PGA Championship. He also finished T-5 at U.S. Open, third at British Open, and T-5 at U.S. Open. McIlroy missed the Masters cut, but was still in contention for the PGA. He finished T-7.
“Nobody wants me to win another Major more than I do.” McIlroy said that the desire was evident. “I have been trying for nine years and I’ve almost made it. I keep returning. I feel I’ve shown a lot resilience in my career. I have had many ups and lows, but I keep returning. “I’ll keep coming back, whether I am rewarded for my efforts or if I get punched to the gut.
