Rory McIlroy, the six-time major winner, is gearing up for the Memorial tournament, his last event before the US Open at Shinnecock Hills. McIlroy's recent scouting mission to the New York course has raised some interesting points about the course's conditions and potential challenges.
In 2018, McIlroy missed the cut at Shinnecock, and the course's greens played a significant role in that outcome. The USGA's control over green speeds is crucial, as evidenced by Phil Mickelson's apology for moving a ball on the greens in 2018 and the par-three seventh green being deemed 'unplayable' in 2004.
McIlroy's recent visit has revealed a course with generous fairways and a first cut of rough that is five inches long. The greens are currently rolling at around 11-11.2, which is considered ideal for the upcoming US Open. McIlroy believes the USGA should maintain these speeds to ensure a fair and challenging tournament.
He emphasizes the importance of keeping the greens at a manageable speed, allowing the USGA to use hole locations effectively without causing unnecessary struggles. McIlroy's comments highlight the delicate balance between providing a challenging course and ensuring a fair playing field for all competitors.
As McIlroy prepares for his bid to win the Memorial, his insights into the course's conditions and the USGA's role in maintaining them offer a unique perspective on the upcoming US Open. His commentary underscores the importance of course management and the potential impact on the tournament's outcome.
