Rory McIlroy is Pinehurst No. Despite failing to build off of a fast start at the US Open in 2012, they claim to be well placed to end a severe 10-year drought.
McIlroy took an early lead with Patrick Cantlay after making five birdies in the opening round for a 65, and followed that up with a 2-over 72 in tougher scoring conditions on Friday morning.
The Northern Irishman recorded just one birdie and three bogeys in his second round to fall back to 3 under par. World No. 1 and partner Scottie Scheffler shot a 4-over 74, leaving him struggling to see if he could win. cut.
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Rory McIlroy saved an incredible par on the 17th hole at Pinehurst No. 2 after initially clearing the green for a birdie putt.
McIlroy won each of the previous three majors with bogey-free starts and has finished in the top 10 in each of the past five U.S. Opens. The 35-year-old is once again in solid contention ahead of the weekend.
“Obviously it’s not as good as it was yesterday, but I think the golf course has become a little more difficult to play despite starting in the morning,” McIlroy said. “Some of the hole locations were definitely a bit more challenging and we had to be smart about it.
Rory McIlroy played alongside Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler the first two days.
“I was put off once on the 17th green. Overall, I felt I did a pretty good job of preventing some mistakes on the scorecard. I wish I had converted a few more opportunities. I hit the ball pretty well. Just hit the fairway once. I feel like I had a lot of opportunities because I felt like I missed them.
“Yeah, my putter wasn’t that great today, but overall I’m in a good position heading into the weekend.”
Rory McIlroy seeks first major title since 2014
McIlroy's Mixed Day at Pinehurst
McIlroy failed to take advantage of the par-5 10th after missing a 12-foot birdie starting on the back nine. He then recorded his first bogey of the week when he approached a par 4. He couldn't stand up or get down.
The Northern Irishman finished with a two-putt par for bogey at the par-3 15th, his tee shot rolled off the putting surface, and McIlroy chipped in after bouncing back off the green at the par-3 17th. Miracle wave.
McIlroy initially got close to 10 feet and finally made his first birdie of the day on the third hole, before scrambling for par on the par-5, fifth hole after his playing partner watched the ball roll back to his feet. look.
“The back left hole location on the 5th hole is pretty dangerous,” McIlroy said. “If you missed a ball left there at all, you definitely saw what Xander (Schauffele) and Scottie (Scheffler) did. After blocking two attempts, I was very happy to get over to the other side of the green. I was up and down for five minutes. .”
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Some of the world's best players struggled on the par-5 fifth hole at Pinehurst No. 2 during the second round of the U.S. Open.
McIlroy recovered from missing the sixth fairway to avoid a bogey on the par 3, and two-putted the next two holes to stay within par 1, but then bogeyed the final hole of the day, the 9th, after finding sand off the tee. I did. .
“I turned 2 pretty early,” McIlroy added. “My goal going into the second 9 was if I could get it back that day I would have been very happy. I got a birdie on 3 and I was trying to take one there and ended up giving it back again.
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“When you look at the condition of the golf course and the locations of some of the holes, I can’t see anyone getting away with it.”
Faldo: Survival game to outrun McIlroy
McIlroy said ahead of the tournament that he wanted to become the most successful European player in history. Sir Nick Faldo, who has six majors under his belt, believes the world number three can win his fifth major title this week.
“Now Rory has to find a way to slow this down.” eight provinces of Korea He told Sky Sports. “He drives the course beautifully and is a great thinker, but he knows it’s going to be a tough weekend. They (USGA) want to win from a deficit, so he’s right there.
Rory McIlroy heads into the weekend at 3 under par.
“This is going to be a game of survival. Look at other people. It's rare for someone to be out there screaming. Don't waste your shots. Birdies are really hard to get, be more defensive and wiser, so don't make too many bogeys. Make sure not to do so.
“You have to look at other players and say, ‘You know what, I have one name to beat or I’m good at it. I just need to relax and play and I know I’m that good.’ .He’s as physically fit as a fiddle, isn’t he? He’s the best in the world and he needs to keep doing that as long as he can.”
Who will be the third men's major winner this year? Watch the US Open live on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the third round begins at 3pm on Saturday through Sky Sports Golf. Stream the US Open and more with NOW.
