Rory McIlroy ready for US Open despite previous challenges with New York crowds
Rory McIlroy insists he has no concerns about returning to New York despite previous run-ins with hostile spectators as he prepares for another crack at the US Open, reports BritPanorama.
The Northern Irishman is back at Shinnecock Hills this week looking to win America’s national championship for the second time, having lifted the trophy at Congressional in 2011.
McIlroy’s relationship with New York crowds has not always been straightforward, however. He endured a difficult Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black last September as Europe’s players faced a barrage of abuse from some supporters, while a spectator was removed at last month’s PGA Championship after an incident involving the world No 2.
Yet McIlroy expects a very different atmosphere when the 126th US Open gets underway on Thursday. “Look, I love playing around New York. I love playing in this area. It’s got some of the best golf in the world,” McIlroy said during his pre-tournament press conference. “This is different. The Ryder Cup is us versus them, very partisan, very… like it’s just a different beast.” He acknowledged that the Ryder Cup proved challenging, stating, “So… yeah, was it a rough week for me at times? Absolutely.”
The exclusive Long Island venue is among the oldest and most prestigious clubs in the United States and has hosted the US Open on five previous occasions. McIlroy believes supporters will still make themselves heard, but he feels the environment will be considerably different from the one experienced at Bethpage. He expressed optimism during a practice round earlier this week, noting, “It was great. It was amazing.” McIlroy added, “Look, New York is New York, and they’re going to make their voices heard, but that’s a good thing. That’s a good atmosphere to play in.”
McIlroy arrives at Shinnecock after a tie for 12th at the Memorial Tournament and remains in search of another major title after successfully defending his Masters crown earlier this year. He finished tied for seventh at the PGA Championship and has recorded four top-10 finishes in ten starts worldwide this season. The 37-year-old has developed a reputation as one of the most consistent performers at the US Open in recent years, posting top-10 finishes in every edition since 2019 apart from a tie for 19th in 2025. Back-to-back runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2024 have only increased his determination to go one better.
McIlroy reflected on his strategy for success at Shinnecock, asserting, “If you can get your ball to the middle of the greens here and just putt to the corners wherever the flags are going to be, that’s never going to be a bad strategy.” As he aims to navigate the challenging course once again, his experience and consistency will be crucial in tackling a field of competitors equally hungry for the championship.
