U.S. Open notes: Chambers Bay greens have given Rory McIlroy fits
UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. – Rory McIlroy won the 2011 U.S. Open by eight strokes at Congressional but he hasn’t had much success in six other Opens, including the 115th edition at Chambers Bay.
McIlroy says his scores haven’t reflected his solid ball-striking, and that was the case again Saturday during an even-par 70 that had the makings of a 65. He’s at 4-over 214 through three rounds, eight strokes behind the leaders.
“It’s disappointing,” McIlroy said, “but at least I can take a lot from the way I hit the ball.”
He’s getting a little tired of saying the same thing following each round.
“I feel like I could have easily walked off the course Friday night, instead of shooting two 72s, shooting two 68s and being right there,” the world’s top-ranked player said. “I’m just in a bad habit of turning good scores into average ones.”
McIlroy has required 96 putts through 54 holes. He was asked about Henrik Stenson’s comment that the greens are “pretty much like putting on broccoli.”
“I don’t think they’re as green as broccoli. I think they’re more like cauliflower,” said McIlroy, who four-putted No. 17 on Friday. “They are what they are, everyone has to putt them. Some guys embrace it more than others. … It is disappointing they’re not in a bit better shape but the newer greens like 7 and 13, they’re perfect. (When it’s) one grass, fescue, the balls roll really well. It’s just the ones where the poa has crept in and the two grasses grow at different speeds.”
McIlroy tied for 10th in the 2009 U.S. Open. After his runaway victory at Congressional, he missed the cut and tied for 41st and 23rd in the ensuing three Opens.
“Every year the U.S. Open is very frustrating, apart from 2011,” he said. “I came off the (18th) green and I just said (to caddy) JP (Fitzgerald), ‘Thank God I’ve got one of these.’ I’ll keep trying and keep going to give it a good go (today). I’m glad my name is on that trophy at least once and I’ll try to make it twice at some point.”