Rory McIlroy told how to end 10-year major drought after playing way into US Open contention
Rory McIlroy has enjoyed a solid start to his quest to win the U.S. Open, as the four-time major champion heads into the weekend in the hopes of finally winning No. 5
Sir Nick Faldo has encouraged Rory McIlroy to go on the defensive with his golf game this weekend in a bid to help him win his first major championship in 10 years at the U.S. Open.
McIlroy has impressed in tough conditions over the opening 36 holes, showing glimpses of his scintillating best in round one on Thursday. The Northern Irishman looked at ease on the testing Pinehurst No. 2 track, beginning his week with an impressive five-under-par 65.
This saw the Northern Irishman take a share of the day one lead alongside his Ryder Cup rival Patrick Cantlay. He was however not able to build on his quick start 24 hours later, after carding a two-over 72 in Friday’s second round.
Despite his slower going in round two, McIlroy remains well in the mix heading into the weekend, as he aims to end his decade-long wait to become a major champion for a fifth time. One man who has surpassed that tally is six-time major winner Faldo, and he had some advice for McIlroy heading into the business end of the tournament.
“Rory has just got to find a way to slow this down,” he told Sky Sports. “He drives the course beautifully and is a great thinker but he knows the weekend will be tough. They wanted just in the red to win this so he is right there. It is going to be a game of survival. Watch the others, it is highly unlikely someone is going to scream out there.
“You just don’t waste any shots- birdies are really tough to get, it is more defending, being smart, so you just avoid making too many bogeys. You have got to look at the other guys and go ‘do you know what, I have either got one name I have got to beat or I am good, I have just got to relax and play and I know I am that good.’”
“He is physically fit as a fiddle isn’t he, great shape. when he is on, he is the best in the world. He has just got to keep doing that as much as possible.” McIlroy was apart of the early wave on Friday, whilst his Thursday co-leader Cantlay was involved in the second half of the round two draw.
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