US Open: Rory McIlroy’s late flourish puts him in the hunt heading into weekend

Harrington signed for a second round 69 for a midway total of two-over-par 142 which looked likely to ensure the reigning US Seniors Open champion would survive the cut, just as he did in last month’s US PGA at Oak Hill.

“The damage was done yesterday [a 73]. I hit a lot of good putts yesterday that didn’t go in the hole. Okay, I come out there freed up a bit and I holed some putts, but then you’re always on cut line. I tried so hard .. you know what, every Major I ever come to nearly, except for the ones I was winning, I wish I had a week more. I did some good practice at home, but I kind of lost my way there the last couple of days. I wasn’t quite ready for it yesterday morning.

Harrington added: “Making the cut is not going to define anything in my career. I really hope I make the cut, but I want to go out there and play in a major and shoot some good scores. That builds confidence, so that when I come back to the next Major [next month’s Open] I feel comfortable in the environment.”

A combination of factors had led to the low scoring of the first round, which included pre-round round which softened the course and then a cloud cover – or marine layer as it known in California – which prevented the sun from firming up greens as would have been expected and which led to receptive putting surfaces.

The USGA didn’t attempt to trick up matters for the second round, with average green speeds running in the low 13s [on the stimpmeter] with greens double-cut and rolled to achieve those speeds. Water was only applied to isolated spots on the greens for turf health, not to assist any slowing down of speed on the putting surfaces.

Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Rory McIlroy three off US Open lead after record-breaking first dayXander Schauffele and Rickie Fowler record lowest scores in US Open history
Source: IrishTimesSport - 🏆 2. / 99 Read more »

Beefed up interference and whip rules will come into force on July 3rdChanges welcomed by both the Irish Jockeys Association and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board
Source: IrishTimesSport - 🏆 2. / 99 Read more »

International brands claim large share of subscriptions from Irish news consumers - surveyThe Irish Times and Irish Independent hold the most Irish subscriptions, but the top 10 most-paid-for outlets are dominated by international competitors
Source: businessposthq - 🏆 8. / 71 Read more »

International brands claim large share of subscriptions from Irish news consumers - surveyThe Irish Times and Irish Independent hold the most Irish subscriptions, but the top 10 most-paid-for outlets are dominated by international competitors
Source: businessposthq - 🏆 8. / 71 Read more »

Ciara Kelly: We should have Irish honours system for outstanding contribution | NewstalkProposals would see people given the title of Gradam an Uachtaráin, and allow recipients to put the initials 'GU' after their name
Source: NewstalkFM - 🏆 19. / 55 Read more »

Mortgage activity slumps, cliff edges in PRSI and USC and US ditheringMortgage activity slumps, cliff edges in PRSI and USC and US dithering: the best news, analysis and comment from The Irish Times business desk.
Source: IrishTimesBiz - 🏆 6. / 77 Read more »