Rory McIlroy at 2015 US Open: Takeaways from Pre-Tournament Press Conference
Rory McIlroy was in a confident mood as he addressed the media Tuesday ahead of the 2015 U.S. Open, insisting he feels like the best golfer on the planet with the Chambers Bay showpiece set to begin Thursday.
The 26-year-old, who is currently ranked as the world's finest player, was speaking ahead of the second major of the year and was in boisterous spirits, as seen here, courtesy of Todd Lewis of the Golf Channel:
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
McIlroy will be hoping for a consistent showing at the U.S. Open after a year of ups and downs so far. The Northern Irishman has missed the cut in each of his last two tournaments, but he won the WGC Match Play event prior to those two disappointments with some stunning golf.
The four-time major winner revealed he doesn't expect his poor showings in Europe to have a major effect this week, per Golf Central:
McIlroy also finished fourth at the Masters earlier this year, falling short in pursuit of a career Grand Slam before his 26th birthday.
While McIlroy emits an unflappable aura while out on the course, he has hinted that the hyperbolic buildup that accompanied him at Augusta may have hampered his performances:
Chambers Bay represents an intriguing challenge for the world No. 1. The course is going to be long and will pose a stern examination of every facet of a player's game. As such, a rounded talent like McIlroy should be in the mix for his second U.S. Open triumph come Sunday evening's climax.
As the PGA Tour's official Twitter feed noted, McIlroy said he is expecting a unique experience at this particular golf course:
McIlroy was also quizzed on European players' recent dominance in the U.S Open. Martin Kaymer's win at Pinehurst 12 months ago means golfers from across the pond have won this illustrious title in four of the last five years.
The 2011 champion thinks this reflects on Europe's recent stranglehold on the Ryder Cup and offered some words of wisdom for those hoping to triumph this week:
If the Northern Irishman was to triumph himself, it'd put him ahead of some of the game's iconic figures, as noted here by ESPN Stats & Info:
While McIlroy hasn't been at his sparkling best in 2015, some time off ahead of this tournament seems to have rekindled his swagger. While his claim of being the best golfer in the world may be uncharacteristically brash from a typically modest individual, the tangible evidence—despite recent issues—emphatically supports his assessment.
For the patrons set to pack out the University Place, Washington, venue, a confident McIlroy means they're likely to be in for a real treat. With the unrelenting expectation and focus that accompanied him at Augusta now abated, expect a replenished effort from the world No. 1 at a course set up to accentuate his vast array of golfing talents.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
