McIlroy must now get creative

As Martin Kaymer walked to the first tee box last night to fulfil his date with destiny, his great rival Rory McIlroy had completed nine holes.

One man’s destiny is another man’s dream and for McIlroy this US Open represented a solid if unspectacular tournament full of missed opportunities and what ifs.

While Kaymer’s sole mission was to finish the job and secure his second Major championship, McIlroy’s sole focus now is to address the most obvious question: how can he become a more competitive player on fast, bouncy golf courses, which are borderline unplayable and where strategy and lady luck are at times equals?