Rory McIlroy has shared his thoughts ahead of competing for the US Open title at Shinnecock Hills
Rory McIlroy has predicted an issue ahead of the US Open(Image: Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy is focused on securing the seventh major title of his career at the upcoming US Open. He is set to tee off at Shinnecock Hills on Thursday, June 18.
The 37-year-old completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters last year and built on that success by retaining the Green Jacket in April. McIlroy has only competed in three events since his recent victory at Augusta, but returned to action at the Memorial Tournament last week as he geared up for the US Open.
The Northern Irishman shared 12th place on four-under-par and revealed he had been preparing at the US Open course before the Memorial Tournament. McIlroy is spending time at home in England before heading back stateside but has aired one concern ahead of the event.
Meanwhile, former Ryder Cup winner Thorbjorn Olesen saw his hopes of reaching the US Open end after pulling out of a tournament. Here, Mirror Sport rounds up some of the biggest golfing headlines.
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Rory McIlroy issues US Open complaint
McIlroy will be among the favourites to win the US Open for the first time since his triumph in 2011. However, he has issued an early complaint after predicting that the pace of practice rounds will affect his preparation at Shinnecock Hills, having experienced the same problem during the PGA Championship last month.
“Too many people inside the ropes I think is the big part of it,” McIlroy said. “I think as well, like, guys are resigned to the fact that they’re going to play nine holes, so it’s okay to be out there for nine holes and in three hours.
“Like, no one plays 18-hole practice rounds anymore the week of. So I guess it gives everyone the ability to play slow and hit as many balls as they like. I guess that’s what practice rounds are for.”
He continued: “Yeah, I think as well there’s, like, just so much hangers on inside the ropes and that sort of seems to slow things down as well.”
Thorbjorn Olesen will not be at the US Open(Image: Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Ryder Cup winner withdraws from event
Thorbjorn Olesen will not be part of the field at the US Open after withdrawing from a qualifying event before completing his two scheduled rounds. The 36-year-old was three-over after 14 holes when he walked off at Lambton Golf and Country Club in Toronto on Monday.
Olesen, who helped Team Europe win the 2018 Ryder Cup, made his decision after finding himself eight strokes off the lead. The Dane will hope for an improved performance at this week’s Canadian Open, which also takes place in Toronto.
A total of 43 US Open spots were distributed across 10 qualifying events around the USA and Canada. Olesen narrowly missed the cut at the major last year after finishing on eight-over through two rounds at Oakmont.
He has won 15 professional titles, including eight European Tour victories. A career highlight for Olesen came in his Ryder Cup singles victory over Jordan Spieth as Team Europe triumphed in France.
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