Rory McIlroy is aiming for a second consecutive Stateside victory as the Northern Irishman prepares for the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational.
In his first event on American soil since his stunning eight shot US Open Championship victory, the 22 year old is full of confidence ahead of “definitely one of my favourite tournaments of the year” on a Firestone CC layout described as “one of my favourite golf courses”.
“I played pretty well last year, four rounds in the 60s and a top ten, and I thought it was a nice weekend into the last Major of the year,” said McIlroy, referring to the upcoming US PGA Championship.
“So looking for something pretty similar this week. It would be nice to get myself into contention but also try and work on my game and get sharp and make sure that I'm ready to go for the PGA.”
McIlroy’s record-breaking display at Congressional has elevated The Ryder Cup star to superstar status around the globe.
But he insists that once out on the course, everything is in place for a successful week.
“My game is in decent shape,” he added. “I did a good bit of work with my coach Michael Bannon on Monday back home in Belfast and feel as if it's coming together pretty nicely.
“I'm very excited about these two weeks, definitely. It's great to be back here and feel the reception I got out there today, even just in the practice round was incredible. Really happy to be back, and as I said, looking forward to two big weeks.
“I felt as if I was playing really well going into the Open and shot two decent scores on Thursday and Friday and was in a good position going into the weekend. And Saturday just didn't go the way I wanted it to and shot 74 and really put myself out of the tournament. I felt really good going into that week, I just wasn't able to get myself right into contention.”
