It turns out that the most ‘open’ US Open has been more clear-cut than we thought, with Rory McIlroy destroying the tough Congressional course. With such record scores we have to start to make more and more comparisons with him and Tiger Woods. Tiger was 25 years old when he had the biggest winning margin (15 shots) in US Open history at Pebble Beach, now Rory sits 8 shots clear at the age of only 22. Can Rory Hold on??
A lot of questions are getting thrown about. Has he moved on from the Masters? Will he be able to bounce back and refocus if he has a bad spell of holes? How much will he win by?
The downfall of Rory McIlroy at Augusta was put down to lack of confidence in his putting, which he addressed before this tournament. Rory has had a few pointers from Dave Stockton, (a two-time Major Champion turned putting Coach) who has tweaked his putting stroke, making it a lot smoother and has been commented on by Sky Sports commentators as having a much better roll off the putter. I’m sure nobody could face watching a repeat of Augusta, so let’s hope some things ‘can’ be that simple. McIlroy has also said in past interviews that another change he has tried to make is that he needed to be a little more arrogant on the golf course, saying “I just try and have a bit of an attitude, you know?”, and you can definitely see it this week as he swaggers around before and during his rounds. I can’t see him letting this lead slip, he is determined, knows he deserves it and has prepared too well.
Other great stories that have been great to watch have been Robert Rock a latecomer to the tournament, having arrived in Maryland only on Thursday, 1000 dollars out of pocket from the New York taxi, had never played the course before and yet sits at +4. If he can finish top 10 or even 20, it will have been a career changing two weeks and we will definitely see a new sponsor’s cap on for his next tournament. Let’s hope he can fight the jet lag and shoot under par today. William Cauley, an amateur from Jacksonville, got into the tournament because of Tiger Wood’s left leg and has taken his chance well, as he is +4. Another amazing first time performance at a US Open, no matter what happens on the last day. Patrick Cantley (-1) and Russell Henley (E) are two other top American amateurs with professional performances that have proved to everyone that they are capable of contending with the best players on a really tough course. Watch out for them as they break onto the pro tour.
The other Irishmen in the field Harrington and McDowell are doing everyone proud as they stay in contention for a top 20 finish. Both were side by side on +2 going into day three, and now McDowell sits tied 21st on Even par and Harrington tied 36th on three over, can they both feed off previous Major experiences and jump some more places. Irish golf is now stronger than it has ever been, with McIlroy leading the way. Imagine two players from Ireland winning the US Open back to back, with both of them comfortably in the top ten of the world..,.,.,.,I know what GMac will say .,.,.,. “waow”.
For anyone wanting to put a bet on the last day, I’d suggest betting without McIlroy, with Oosthuizen, Westwood, Steve Stricker, GMac and Webb Simpson looking very good.
James Hazlett, soon to be Sports Psychology Masters student that loves all sports apart from Cricket!
What do you think will happen on the final day? Will McIlroy hold on? Who could make a big move on the last day? Leave your thoughts …
Good read James. McIlroy has to hold on doesn't he? 3 wood off the tee, centre of green and two putts etc etc.
ReplyDeleteHow about Yang to bt McIlroy in the two ball at 6/4? Decent price when Rory will be happy with a 74!
Sounds like really good value! I reckon it must be difficult for Yang to keep up there, because he is hitting three or four clubs longer into every Par 4 and 5. He is playing so well though.
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