A fellow US Open competitor has shared his thoughts on Rory McIlroy's prospects at Shinnecock Hills this week after observing him practicing in the UK.
McIlroy's Form and Favorites
Rory McIlroy enters this week's US Open as the second favorite for the title, trailing only Scottie Scheffler. The six-time major champion aims to become the seventh golfer to complete the modern career Grand Slam, having won The Open at Royal Portrush last year. McIlroy arrives at Shinnecock Hills in New York with strong major form, including a second consecutive Masters victory and a top-10 finish at the PGA Championship this season.
Consistent US Open Record
Despite missing the cut at Shinnecock Hills in 2018, McIlroy has recorded six top-10 finishes and two runner-up positions in his last seven US Open appearances. Many pundits believe a second US Open title, 15 years after his first at Congressional, is imminent.
LIV Golfer's Vote of Confidence
LIV Golf's Laurie Canter, a 500/1 outsider for the trophy, expressed confidence in McIlroy after sharing practice facilities. Canter told the Sky Sports Golf Podcast: "He was at my club last week in London. I know he's not been totally happy with his driver, but he was working away with his coach for a couple of days. I suspect at a course like this, if conditions stay soft, he can use his driver—probably the best driver in golf history—as a weapon."
McIlroy's Strategy
McIlroy has outlined his approach for Shinnecock Hills: "If you can get your ball to the middle of the greens and putt to the corners wherever the flags are, that's never a bad strategy. It's served me well and gotten me close a few years."
McIlroy tees off at 12:52 PM UK time on Thursday alongside Tommy Fleetwood and Ludvig Aberg.
