Rory ‘getting there’ ahead of US Open

Rory McIlroy insists his current “slump” is nothing compared to last year’s early season struggles and reckons his game is close to clicking into place in time to challenge for a third Major win in next week’s US Open at Merion.

But even if it takes longer than that and his 2013 frustration continues for another while, he’s licking his lips at the prospect of defending his US PGA title at Oak Hill after playing the New York course on Monday.

That wasn’t just because he loved the classic, tree-lined track but because he played so well, cruising to a three under 67 that included holing out from 50 yards for an eagle two at the 323-yard 14th.