McIlroy ready after five practice rounds in six days

Rory McIlroy is feeling totally prepared for this week’s Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes, having already spent nearly a week practicing at the Lancashire course.

“The preparation has gone well,” he said. “I played the course Thursday and Friday last week, got two really good looks at it. Went back out Monday and played 18 holes and played another nine today.

“I know what I’m doing out there now and just looking forward to the week. I’m excited to get started.”

McIlroy admitted that he’d implemented Jack Nicklaus’ tip to use only one ball during some of his practice rounds to replicate the pressure and consequences of a competitive round.

“On Sunday I played the last 13 holes with one ball, and before that on Friday afternoon I played the back nine with one ball. And the last couple of days I’ve played the last four holes with one ball.

“Friday I shot four-under on the back nine, which was good. Yesterday, my target was to shoot one-under for the last four holes, and I did that so won a coffee off JP. Today didn’t go so well, shot one-over for the last four holes.”

The 23-year-old also delved into his relationship with former world number one Tiger Woods. “I feel like Tiger and I have a good relationship and a relationship that’s developed over the last couple of years.

“If a guy wins or a guy does well, you go up and congratulate them just to say ‘well done’. I’d never have any second thoughts about doing that with any of the guys, whether with Tiger or anyone else. The more I’ve gotten to know him, the more you feel comfortable around him.”

McIlroy is teeing off at 2.21pm on Thursday with Louis Oosthuizen and Keegan Bradley.