McIlroy sees an opening with Woods out of action
NORTHERN IRELAND’S Rory McIlroy is saddened by Tiger Woods’ absence from the US Open which starts today but knows that with the former world No1 out of action his chances of a first Major win are greatly enhanced.
Woods, out with knee and Achilles injuries, has failed to make it back to the Congressional course near Washington where he first became world number one 14 years ago.
“It’s obviously not great for the golf tournament – it would have been great to see him play,” said McIlroy.
“But I suppose it leaves the door a little bit open for a few of the guys.
“Every time you have Tiger in the field you’ve got to think that he’s going to have a good chance. To have one of the main contenders not here gives the rest of us a little bit more of a chance.”
McIlroy led after 54 holes at Augusta in the first Major of the year before a final round 80 saw his hopes of claiming the Masters slip away. But the 22-year-old won’t let that bitter experience hamper him here.
He said: “No doubt it was a great experience for me,” he said. “I took the positives from the week – there weren’t many to take from the Sunday.
“It’s hard. It was my first time in that situation, you’re going to be feeling the pressure a little bit and I certainly did.”