McIlroy puts Masters hell behind him to lead US Open
NORTHERN IRELAND’S Rory McIlroy showed no ill effects from his Masters meltdown at Augusta to take the US Open by storm as he finished his first round at Congressional three shots ahead of the field.
McIlroy led after 52 holes in Georgia back in April before blowing his chances with a final round 80, and all eyes were on the 22-year-old as the second Major of the year commenced in Washington.
But a magical round of 65 dispelled any suggestion that the events of Augusta would leave lasting psychological damage.
Putting playing partner Phil Mickelson firmly into the shade on his 41st birthday, McIlroy picked up shots on the 12th, 17th and 18th to turn in a three-under-par 32.
And when he sank an eight-foot putt for another birdie at the 402-yard first he was out in front on his own. Two further birdies saw him extend the lead to three shots to leave him in a similar position to the one he found himself in at the Masters.
“It’s fine for people to ask me about the Masters,” he said. “I know where they’re coming from with the questions. It’s up to me to show everyone that I’ve learned from Augusta.
“My preparation helps me settle in these events. I get here a week early and get my practice rounds out of the way before everyone else and then the rest of the week I can conserve energy ahead of the four tournament rounds.
“It feels close to how I was playing at the Masters. I’m hitting the ball both ways, I feel comfortable with my swing and comfortable on this course.
“It could’ve been better, I missed a few putts but you would take 65. I made no mistakes, I think I only missed one green and when you do that you’ll have a good round.”
Charl Schwartzel, who benefited from McIlroy’s collapse to take the green jacket, enjoyed a solid back nine to finish on three under, while Sergio Garcia rolled back the years to card a splendid 69.
As for the world’s top three of
Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer – grouped together earlier in the day when conditions were easier – they finished a combined 10 over par.
Donald and Kaymer had 74s and pre-tournament favourite Westwood a 75, after which he said: “I didn’t swing it very well and you just don’t get away with it at a US Open.”
LEADERBOARD
RORY MCILROY -6
CHARL SCHWARTZEL -3
SERGIO GARCIA -2
KYUNG-TAE KIM -2
RYAN PALMER -2
LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN -2