2011 U.S. Open

[imtomtomim]

I think Rory started it on a right side line, just overcooked it and, you know, they go left.  I really hope he keeps it up and bags this one.  He brings his game so well to the majors, it's time for him to put it all together.

Truthfully, I totally forgot about him before seeing him start yesterday.  I feel like he kind of fades into the background in between the majors and then busts it out on the big stages.

[jshots]

Originally Posted by imtomtomim

I feel like he kind of fades into the background in between the majors and then busts it out on the big stages.

That is exactly why he needs to win :D

[B-Con]

18 was an interesting hole. Phil's rescue attempt was as good as could've been done. He couldn't have hit that shot any better, that was just an unlucky break. Three yards to the right and he would've run it up onto the green. McIlroy, on the other hand, took a gamble. Maybe he felt invincible, but that was definitely a gamble, and one that didn't pay off. Other than that, he had quite a bit of brilliant play. The approach on 17 was just picture perfect.

[MiniBlueDragon]

Originally Posted by B-Con

18 was an interesting hole. Phil's rescue attempt was as good as could've been done. He couldn't have hit that shot any better, that was just an unlucky. A couple yards to the right and he would've run it up onto the green.

McIlroy, on the other hand, took a gamble. Maybe he felt invincible, but that was definitely a gamble. One that didn't pay off. Other than that, He had quite a bit of brilliant play. The approach on 17 was just picture perfect.

You're right; Phil was "unlucky" but Rory "felt invincible" even though their end result was the same.

I wonder who you're supporting...

If you watch the post-match interview with Rory he even says it was a little more left than he wanted it to be as he aimed at the front right of the green but got a bit of grass between the club and ball and it turned over more than he wanted; it wasn't a "gamble" or him feeling "invincible".

[bunkerputt]

Come on Rory!  Lookin' so good.  Lookin' so fine.  Watch out Rory!  They're right behind you!

(Thumbs up if you can spot the reference)

That kid has some magical talent.  Really, really pulling for him to close this one out and shut-up the naysayers.  I think he's going to get it done this time.

[deasy55]

And phil didn't take a gamble by hitting a low slicing shot through a small gap? Phil's shot was much more gamble shot IMO.

Quote:

18 was an interesting hole. Phil's rescue attempt was as good as could've been done. He couldn't have hit that shot any better, that was just an unlucky break. Three yards to the right and he would've run it up onto the green.

McIlroy, on the other hand, took a gamble. Maybe he felt invincible, but that was definitely a gamble, and one that didn't pay off. Other than that, he had quite a bit of brilliant play. The approach on 17 was just picture perfect.

[bplewis24]

/emoticons/tongue.png"/>

[deasy55]

Donald on the comeback trail. Back to 1 over with 3 birdies in 4 holes. Just 12 behind now

[Chilli Dipper]

Donald on the comeback trail. Back to 1 over with 3 birdies in 4 holes. Just 12 behind now

No need for that smirk. Luke's up to even par now, and that usually is in contention at the Open. He's putting himself in position to take advantage if Rory comes back to the field.

[deasy55]

Originally Posted by Chilli Dipper

Quote:

Originally Posted by deasy55

Donald on the comeback trail. Back to 1 over with 3 birdies in 4 holes. Just 12 behind now

No need for that smirk. Luke's up to even par now, and that usually is in contention at the Open. He's putting himself in position to take advantage if Rory comes back to the field.

What do you mean 'No need for that smirk'? I was doing a because I find it unbelievable that 1 over (he's now level par) is 12 back? Jeez lousie.......

[Zwick]

If Rory doesn't win this time, he will never win a major.

But I think he will win it, the way he played the last two days was just magical.

Although don't forget what happend to Toms at Colonial, he had a similar lead after the second round and it all was gone after the third. And at the US Open that can happen even faster.

[deasy55]

Jumping the gun a bit aren't we? He is barely 22 afterall. And this is far from over.

Originally Posted by Zwick

If Rory doesn't win this time, he will never win a major.

But I think he will win it, the way he played the last two days was just magical.

Although don't forget what happend to Toms at Colonial, he had a similar lead after the second round and it all was gone after the third. And at the US Open that can happen even faster.

[MiniBlueDragon]

Originally Posted by Zwick

If Rory doesn't win this time, he will never win a major.

lol. Nicklaus was 46 when he won in '86. McIlroy therefore has 24 years to win a major at age 22 (the same as Nicklaus I believe)

[clubchamp]

Originally Posted by deasy55

And phil didn't take a gamble by hitting a low slicing shot through a small gap? Phil's shot was much more gamble shot IMO.

Quote:

I didn't have a great view but Phils shot didn't actually look that difficult he just over cooked it a little. Rory on the hand took a really aggressive line and didn't catch it clean. I would say Rory took more of gamble since he is leading and didn't need to hit it on that line.

[deasy55]

Both were aiming to the right side of the green and both pulled (pushed for phil) it left. I don't see how one was unlucky and the other was agressive. Both aimed to get it in the same general area and both turned it too much.

Originally Posted by clubchamp

I didn't have a great view but Phils shot didn't actually look that difficult he just over cooked it a little. Rory on the hand took a really aggressive line and didn't catch it clean. I would say Rory took more of gamble since he is leading and didn't need to hit it on that line.

[Zwick]

Originally Posted by MiniBlueDragon

lol. Nicklaus was 46 when he won in '86. McIlroy therefore has 24 years to win a major at age 22 (the same as Nicklaus I believe)

Perhaps he will win one (like Michael Campbell for example ;)), but he will not be a dominant figure if he throws away a ~7 shot lead. Nicklaus has never lost such a lead at a major.

But like I said, I don't think he will lose this Open.

[iPutt]

I don't want to say that it's over yet because we all know Rory's history at majors, but this tournament really looks like it's here for the taking if he wants it. He really needs to have some sort of major melt down to lose this thing. I want him to win, but not going to lie, it takes away some of the interest for me personally if on Sunday he's 12 shots ahead of the field.

[MiniBlueDragon]

Originally Posted by Zwick

Perhaps he will win one (like Michael Campbell for example ;)), but he will not be a dominant figure if he throws away a ~7 shot lead. Nicklaus has never lost such a lead at a major.

But like I said, I don't think he will lose this Open.

I'm not sure to be honest. We see a lot of golfers (of which Rory is one!) who take a fantastic lead and then lose, whether it's because their game falls apart and they throw their lead away or because another player out-plays them and takes the lead from them. In either event it doesn't mean they'll never win again, especially with players like McIlroy who have such a long career left ahead of them.

I think even Nicklaus himself said to McIlroy that he's "expecting big things of him"