Rory McIlroy Doesn't Need Your 10 Stinking U.S. Open Practice Rounds

Rory McIlroy obliterated the field at the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow by seven shots last weekend. His tournament included rounds of 69, 61, 67, and 70. Just one example of how well Rory was playing came on the 514 yard par-4 16th hole. McIlroy demolished a drive 369 yards into the wind and  hit a gap wedge from 145 yards to three feet from the pin. In his last four PGA tournaments he finished fourth in the Masters, won the WGC-Match Play, tied for eighth in The Players, and added the Wells Fargo win. That makes six top 10 finishes in eight tournaments this season.

Rory’s next PGA Tour event will be the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay the weekend of June 18-21. He’s got two European Tour events to play in first – the BMW PGA Championship and the Irish Open – but according to USGA executive director Mike Davis, 10 practice rounds are required to understand the Robert Trent Jones Jr. design at Chambers Bay. Rory doesn’t have time for that nonsense. In an interview in Charlotte, Rory responded to Davis’ statement. Via Devil Ball:

"“What’s Mike Davis’ handicap? With the way the Tour is, no one is going to go out there and play ten practice rounds. I’m going to go up a little early. I’m going to play a couple practice rounds the weekend before and then I’ll probably play another, you know, 18 holes. So I’ll play three practice rounds.”"

That is a bit short of the 10 rounds recommended by Davis, but for a guy with two wins in his last three starts, does he really need 10 rounds to understand a course? I wouldn’t bet on it. Even without the suggested practice, I’d be willing to put Rory at the top of the favorites list.

"“To win the Masters at 21 and to do it the way he did, it was a phenomenal performance. It definitely inspired me. I’m really happy for Jordan, he’s a great guy. I’m expecting more of that out of him in the future. I know I’m going to have to work hard to stay ahead of him and try and beat him. It inspired me to have a little bit more edge and have a little bit more intensity.”"

So that’s why Rory was knocking the cover off the ball? I see. Just like Rickie Fowler and the overrated comments, Rory appears to be moved by the new Jordan Spieth rivalry talk, but should he? In an interview with BBC Sport’s Dan Roan, Rory said he wants to win a lot more tournaments and can win more majors.

"“I want to win a lot more tournaments, I can win a lot more majors. I haven’t put a number on it because I don’t want to put that burden on myself. I just want to be better than everyone else. I have three great chances to win majors coming up. I’d like to go to Augusta next year not as a four-time major champion, but to have added at least one to the resume.”"

Since Spieth’s Masters victory, he’s finished tied for 11th, tied for 17th, and missed the cut at The Players. It’s going to be interesting to see if Spieth, the world number two player behind Rory, can rebound and collect another win before the U.S. Open. If Rory happens to win the U.S. Open, we may be putting the cart before the horse in regards to this new rivalry, even if these two guys are the favorites entering every tournament for the rest of the year.

[Quotes thanks to Devil Ball Golf]