Rory McIlroy makes 'hero' claim as he gives insight into The Open tactics ahead of day 1
Rory McIlroy gave an insight on his mindset heading into The Open, believing the weather conditions at Royal Troon don't bode well for a "hero" mentality at a difficult course
Rory McIlroy has claimed “not trying to be a hero” and his putting will be the key to winning an Open “war of attrition” at Royal Troon.
The world No. 2 admitted his heartache after his late collapse at last month’s US Open. But the Ulsterman said the forecasted wet and windy conditions forecast in Western Scotland will be just like home - and he is ready to be patient to finally end his 10-year Major drought.
“The weather here is like in Northern Ireland - it is very changeable and bands of rain can sweep in,” said the four-time Major winner.
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“It is about not trying to be a hero all the time and take your medicine if you get into trouble.
"Seventy-two holes is a long golf tournament. Everyone makes mistakes.
“There are so many tough holes on that back nine. It is a real war of attrition, but The Open is meant to be difficult. It’s absolutely relentless. The key is making prudent decisions and not trying to be a hero all the time. I think that is the best way to play here.”
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Leading by two with five holes left at Pinehurst, McIlroy bogeyed three of his last four holes - including missing short putts on 16 and 18 - to see Bryson DeChambeau win by a shot.
But the 2014 Open winner said: “I think if I putt well this week, I will put myself in contention on Sunday.
“You need to adjust to the greens especially as we don’t play much links golf. They are slower and the ball doesn’t take as much break. You need to adjust your speed.”
McIlroy had made 496 putts from inside three feet before the 16th at the US Open but his putting coach Brad Faxon insisted:
"There was certainly nothing wrong with Rory’s stroke at all. That’s just a situation that sometimes gets the best of the best players in the world. I think these things will help Rory to be stronger when he gets in that situation the next time. I think it will be better for him.”
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