Woods picks out Rory as Major threat
Since Ben Hogan won back-to-back US Opens in 1951, only Curtis Strange in 1989 has managed to successfully defend the title.
But Woods reckons defending champion McIlroy will be a force to be reckoned with and the Irishman insisted he would attack the firm and fast San Francisco track with his driver after regaining some confidence in his game last week in Memphis.
“I think he’s coming off a tournament last week where he played really well. I think that’s going to be great for his confidence,” said Woods, who roared back to form following a disappointing Masters by winning his fifth Memorial Tournament 10 days ago.
“He had a few weeks where he didn’t play the way that he knows he can play. But, hey, we all have those things happen.
“But last week was good for his confidence. He did some work at home, from what I hear, and went into Memphis and played great. It’s going to serve him well this week.”
McIlroy added the FedEx St Jude Classic to his schedule at the last minute but he believes he’s coming in to his title defence as a far more confident player than the 22-year old who smashed 11 US Open scoring records en route to an amazing eight-shot win last year.
And he insisted last night that he plans to attack the 7,100 yard par-70 track and use his driver as often as possible.
“I reckon I’m going to use any driver eight or nine times on this course,” said McIlroy, who threw the ceremonial pitch at last night’s baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and the Houston Astros.
“I’m still going to hit driver, coming in with the mindset that I’m going to attack the golf course and play aggressively when I can.
“Obviously you have to be smart, but you’ve got to take your chances around here. And this golf course gives you a few opportunities where you can make birdies.”
McIlroy wants to make a spirited title defence but Woods knows how tough it is to win the title two years in a row.
He won in 2000, 2002 and 2008 but finished tied 20th at Southern Hills in 2001, tied 20th at Olympia Fields in 2003 and sixth behind Lucas Glover at Bethpage Black three years ago.
He said: “This is probably the hardest test that we play all year. What makes it difficult, I think, is that we’re playing different venues each and every year.
“It’s not like Augusta National where we’re playing the same golf course each and every year. We have to relearn a whole new golf course.
The 14-time Major winner is looking forward to the challenge of being forced to shape the ball both ways on a hard and fast course that features the toughest opening six-hole stretch before finishing with three birdie chances.
“I think this probably tests the player more than any other championship,” Woods said.
“We have to shape the ball. We have to hit the ball high. We have to hit the ball low. Our short game’s got to be dialled in.”
McIlroy said he feels even more comfortable as a Major winner and now expects to contend for victory every time he tees it up.
“You’re not just happy with top10’s anymore, and you’re not happy finishing in the top five,” McIlroy said. “Okay, it’s a good result, but it’s not what you want. ”
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