Rory McIlroy has hit back at critics who have question the way he has prepared for the Open Championship, by insisting it was important to have some time off.
The Northern Irishman has not played a competitive round since his emphatic US Open success at Congressional
On the opening day in Augusta, he surged clear of the field on day one after shooting a seven-under-par 65 and was later joined by Alvaro Quiros at the top of the leaderboard, putting him straight to top of the bookies favourites list.
Despite such a positive start, there are fears that history may repeat itself. McIlroy went two strokes better when taking the lead of the Open at St. Andrews last July but then slumped to a second-round 80 when the wind worsened.
However, speaking after his flawless round on Thursday, McIlroy said he now feels better prepared to deal with adversity. “At the time, it was very disappointing,” he said of his second-round collapse at St. Andrews. “But looking back, it was probably very valuable in my progression as a golfer. I hope it will help me,” he said. “I have that experience to draw on, especially being in a similar position to last year at St. Andrews.”
“I feel like I’m better prepared to tee off in the second round of a major with the lead.”
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