![\"Rory](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/golf\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1_GettyImages-2278912121.jpg\")
<\/p>\nRory McIlroy is bidding to win his seventh major title at the US Open 2026 and has raised concerns over slow practice rounds at Shinnecock Hills as a former Ryder Cup winner pulls out<\/p>\n
09:07, 11 Jun 2026Updated 09:07, 11 Jun 2026<\/p>\n
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Rory McIlroy has predicted an issue ahead of the US Open(Image: Ben Jared\/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Rory McIlroy is concentrating on clinching the seventh major title of his career at the forthcoming US Open. He is scheduled to tee off at Shinnecock Hills on Thursday, June 18.<\/p>\n
The 37 year old completed the career Grand Slam by claiming the Masters last year and capitalised on that triumph by defending the Green Jacket in April. McIlroy has only participated in three tournaments since his latest victory at Augusta, but returned to competition at the Memorial Tournament last week as he prepared for the US Open.<\/p>\n
The Northern Irishman finished in a share of 12th place on four-under-par and disclosed he had been practising at the US Open venue before the Memorial Tournament. McIlroy is spending time at home in England before travelling back stateside but has voiced one worry ahead of the tournament.<\/p>\n
![\"Thorbjorn](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/golf\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781168891_546_0_GettyImages-2278832372.jpg\")
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Thorbjorn Olesen will not be at the US Open(Image: Stacy Revere\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n McIlroy will be amongst the favourites to capture the US Open for the first time since his success in 2011. However, he has raised an early grievance after forecasting that the speed of practice rounds will impact his preparation at Shinnecock Hills, having encountered the same issue during the PGA Championship last month, reports the Mirror<\/a>.<\/p>\n “Too many people inside the ropes I think is the big part of it,” McIlroy said. “I think as well, like, guys are resigned to the fact that they’re going to play nine holes, so it’s okay to be out there for nine holes and in three hours.<\/p>\n “Like, no one plays 18-hole practice rounds anymore the week of. So I guess it gives everyone the ability to play slow and hit as many balls as they like. I guess that’s what practice rounds are for.”<\/p>\n He added: “Yeah, I think as well there’s, like, just so much hangers on inside the ropes and that sort of seems to slow things down as well.”<\/p>\n Thorbjorn Olesen will be absent from the US Open field after pulling out of a qualifying tournament before finishing his two scheduled rounds. The 36 year old stood at three-over after 14 holes when he departed Lambton Golf and Country Club in Toronto on Monday.<\/p>\n Gold Star is the latest chapter in the evolution of the Daily Star. Our \u2018premium\u2019 digital service has launched, offering you even more of our brilliant journalism but with even fewer adverts.<\/p>\n And if you do, this is what you\u2019ll get:<\/p>\n – A new ad-lite subscription service offering unlimited access to Gold Star and our app, as well as a cleaner viewing experience with far fewer ads<\/p>\n – Access to exclusive subscriber-only articles crafted specifically for readers who want their stories to dig a little deeper. This will include unique insight from our writers alongside thought-provoking comment<\/p>\n – Bespoke special offers, rewards and competitions from our partners<\/p>\n – Access our Gold Nuggets, the juiciest picks from the Daily Star – no digging required!<\/p>\n – The most fun you can have with a daily news brand anywhere in the world!<\/p>\n Membership starts at \u00a31.99 a month or \u00a312 for the year. These are both Gold Star launch offers for the next 12 months so make sure you don\u2019t miss out.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/golf\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/4_JS406948811.jpg\")
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