Rory McIlroy has voiced concerns about the pace of practice rounds ahead of the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, as former Ryder Cup winner Thorbjorn Olesen withdrew from a qualifying event.
McIlroy Targets Seventh Major Title
The 37-year-old Northern Irishman is aiming to claim his seventh major championship at the US Open, which begins on June 18. After completing the career Grand Slam with a Masters victory last year and successfully defending the Green Jacket in April, McIlroy has played only three events since. He recently tied for 12th at the Memorial Tournament while preparing for the US Open.
McIlroy has been practicing at Shinnecock Hills and is currently at home in England before returning to the United States. However, he has raised an early concern about the speed of practice rounds, citing similar issues during the PGA Championship last month.
Slow Play Concern
"Too many people inside the ropes I think is the big part of it," McIlroy said. "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. 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."
He added: "There's just so many hangers on inside the ropes that seems to slow things down as well."
Olesen Withdraws from Qualifier
Thorbjorn Olesen will miss the US Open after withdrawing from a qualifying tournament in Toronto. The 36-year-old Dane was three-over after 14 holes at Lambton Golf and Country Club, eight strokes off the lead, before pulling out. Olesen, a member of Europe's victorious 2018 Ryder Cup team, will now focus on the Canadian Open, also held in Toronto.
Olesen has 15 professional titles, including eight on the European Tour. His career highlight came in the Ryder Cup singles win over Jordan Spieth. He narrowly missed the cut at last year's US Open at Oakmont, finishing eight-over.
A total of 43 US Open spots were available across 10 qualifying tournaments in the US and Canada.
