Rory McIlroy has expressed frustration over the pace of practice rounds at the upcoming US Open, as former Ryder Cup winner Thorbjorn Olesen withdrew from a qualifying event. McIlroy, aiming for his seventh major title, will tee off at Shinnecock Hills on June 18.
McIlroy's Concerns
The 37-year-old Northern Irishman, who completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters last year and successfully defended his title in April, has only played three events since Augusta. After finishing 12th at the Memorial Tournament, McIlroy revealed he had been practicing at Shinnecock Hills beforehand. However, he criticized the slow pace of practice rounds, blaming too many people inside the ropes and players accepting nine-hole rounds lasting three hours.
"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. It gives everyone the ability to play slow and hit as many balls as they like." He added, "There's just so much hangers on inside the ropes that seems to slow things down."
Olesen Withdraws
Thorbjorn Olesen will not compete in the US Open after withdrawing from a qualifying event in Toronto. The 36-year-old Dane, who helped Team Europe win the 2018 Ryder Cup, walked off after 14 holes at three-over par, eight strokes off the lead. He hopes to improve at this week's Canadian Open. Olesen narrowly missed the cut at last year's US Open at Oakmont, finishing eight-over. With 15 professional titles, including eight European Tour victories, his career highlight remains his Ryder Cup singles win over Jordan Spieth.
Qualifying Results
A total of 43 US Open spots were awarded across ten qualifying events in the USA and Canada. Olesen's withdrawal leaves him seeking better form ahead of future tournaments.
