Too much pressure placed on McIlroy, reckons Lowry

SHANE LOWRY believes too much is being expected of Rory McIlroy as the Northern Irishman tees up for only his third major tournament.

McIlroy arrived in New York this week having won his first professional tournament in Dubai and claimed six top-five finishes on the European Tour. With Pádraig Harrington and Darren Clarke struggling of late, he has been talked up as Ireland’s best shot at Bethpage.

He has talked a good game too. Tiger Woods finished three-under par in claiming the US Open title the last time it was staged at the Black Course in Farmingdale, New York and McIlroy has spoken confidently about finishing below par this weekend.