Rory McIlroy :: Chambers Bay ‘like Muirfield’

• Rory McIlroy likens Chambers Bay to Muirfield in 2013
• World No.1 missed the cut there but said it’ll have no impact
• Less scrutiny on McIlroy without pursuing career slam

World No.1 Rory McIlroy has likened US Open venue Chambers Bay to what Muirfield was like in 2013 and believes it’s a huge advantage heading to the links-style course as the Open champion.

The Pacific Northwest course has come under much scrutiny in the build up to the second major of the year and after getting a first look at the course on Saturday morning, the 26-year-old drew comparisons with the East Lothian course.

“It’s so fast and firm and it reminds me of the 2013 Open at Muirfield,” said Rory McIlroy, who missed the cut there after posting 12-over, his worst 36-hole score at a major to date.

But despite his poor showing there, McIlroy is adamant it will have absolutely no effect on his chances this week and says arriving as the reigning Open champion is a significant boost.

“I can tell you, a repeat of that is not going to happen” – Rory McIlroy

“I’m a completely different player now to then. I’m in a completely different place. I had no control of my golf game at that point in time whereas now I feel like I’m pretty much in full control. I can tell you, a repeat of that is not going to happen.

“And coming in as Open champion, I know I’ve had success on links golf before and I’ve grown up playing it, so there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be able to use that to my advantage in some way.”

CONTINUES BELOW…

Another slight advantage the Northern Irishman has heading into the tournament is less hype surrounding him with not pursuing the career grand slam like he was at the Masters two months ago.

“It’s much quieter,” admitted a relaxed McIlroy. “I can get here and just do my thing without much worry and I guess there’s not as much on my mind about what I can achieve.

“It’s hugely important, a chance to win a second US Open and a fifth major, but there was just so much hype and attention around Augusta which has made this one feel very different.”

Rory McIlroy :: A fifth major?

Can Rory McIlroy grab his second US Open title at Chambers Bay this week? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.