Rory McIlroy feels patience will be key as he bids for US Open glory

Rory McIlroy believes he has a successful strategy for winning the US Open but a key factor will be patience as the players wait to see how Shinnecock Hills performs in what are expected to be testing weather conditions.

Winds gusting up to 36mph on Thursday afternoon could cause issues for later starters but the Northern Irishman goes off at 7.52am local time (12.52pm IST).

The fast greens may require unprecedented watering between the morning and afternoon waves to prevent some of the chaos seen the last two occasions this part of Long Island hosted the event.

But regardless the Masters champion is relishing the challenge.

“If everything is going the way everyone wants it in terms of weather, set-up, I think it’s the best championship test in the country,” said the world number two, who since missing the cut here in 2018 has recorded six top-10 US Open finishes, including consecutive runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2024.

“It tests all aspects of the game: driving, iron play, you need to have your wits about you on the greens. It’s a lot of strategy, thoughtfulness.

“This course demands so much patience – it can really lure you into taking on things that you probably shouldn’t.

“If you can get your ball to the middle of the greens and just putt to the corners wherever the flags are, that’s never a bad strategy.

“The strategy I’ve employed at the US Open over the past few years has been a lot like that and that’s served me well.

“It hasn’t got me the trophy but it’s got me pretty close a few years. I definitely feel I’ve become a lot better of a US Open player by trying to really stay patient throughout the week and not taking on too much.”

McIlroy’s major form is good as after his Masters victory he finished