Rory McIlroy calls out US Open problem as Ryder Cup champ quits event | Golf | Sport
Rory McIlroy is determined to claim the seventh major title of his career at the forthcoming US Open. He is due to tee off at Shinnecock Hills on Thursday, June 18. The 37-year-old completed the career Grand Slam by claiming the Masters last year and added to his list of achievements by defending the Green Jacket in April. McIlroy has participated in just three events since his latest triumph at Augusta, but made his comeback at the Memorial Tournament last week while preparing for the US Open.
The Northern Irishman tied for 12th place on four-under-par and shared that he had been practising at the US Open venue before the Memorial Tournament. McIlroy is spending time at home in England before returning stateside but has voiced one concern ahead of the competition. Meanwhile, former Ryder Cup victor Thorbjorn Olesen saw his aspirations of qualifying for the US Open end after withdrawing from a tournament. Here, Express Sport looks at some of the most significant golfing headlines.
Rory McIlroy raises US Open concern
McIlroy will rank among the favourites to capture the US Open for the first time since his victory in 2011. However, he has raised an early concern after anticipating that the speed of practice rounds will impact his preparation at Shinnecock Hills, having encountered the same issue 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.”
Ryder Cup star pulls out of tournament
Thorbjorn Olesen will not feature in the US Open field after pulling out of a qualifying tournament before finishing his two scheduled rounds. The 36-year-old stood at three-over after 14 holes when he chose to withdraw at the Lambton Golf and Country Club in Toronto on Monday.
Olesen, who contributed to Team Europe’s 2018 Ryder Cup triumph, took his decision after finding himself eight strokes adrift of the lead. The Dane will be hoping for a stronger showing at this week’s Canadian Open, which is also being held in Toronto.
A total of 43 US Open places were allocated across 10 qualifying tournaments throughout the USA and Canada. Olesen came close to making the cut at last year’s major after concluding on eight-over through two rounds at Oakmont.
He has secured 15 professional titles, including eight victories on the European Tour. A career highlight for Olesen came in his Ryder Cup singles win over Jordan Spieth as Team Europe prevailed in France.
