I’LL GO DOWN SWINGING

McIlroy: I have been too tentative in the past but I’m determined not to hold back any more

HEAVY rain doused the fire of the Beast in the East yesterday.

But Rory McIlroy insisted he would still rather crash and burn in Carnoustie this weekend than freeze in the fear of failure. “Even if I don’t play my best golf, I’m going to go down swinging,” he promised. In horrible early conditions, the Ulsterman scored a second consecutive 69 for his best start to a Major since his last victory at the 2014 US PGA. The former world No.1 had the chance to end his drought – and complete his career Grand Slam – playing in the final group at the Masters but closed with a limp 74 to finish six shots behind Patrick Reed. He then opened the US Open with an 80 before missing the cut. And McIlroy vowed to learn from his Major mistakes and blaze his way to more glory.

“I’ve been a little bit too careful and tentative when I’ve been in these big tournaments,” he admitted. “Last day at Augusta, even the first day at Shinnecock, I just felt I was holding on a little too much.

“Sunday at Augusta was a big learning curve again for me because, even if I hadn’t won that tournament but gone down swinging and committing to every shot, I would have walked away a lot happier.

“So this week one of my main thoughts is just to let it go. I’d rather fail by trying 100 per cent than by holding back and not giving myself the opportunity to do well.

“So I’m committed to making sure, even if I don’t play my best golf and don’t shoot the scores I want, that I’m going to go down swinging.”

His victories at the 2011 US Open and the 2014 Open at Hoylake showed McIlroy (above) likes courses softened by rain. But he doesn’t enjoy getting wet.

“I wouldn’t say I like it,” said the Northern Irishman. “I’d much rather be sitting here not in damp clothes and a T-shirt, but it is what it is. I am just getting better playing in the rain. The fairways definitely didn’t have as much fire in them.” In the bleak conditions, McIlroy reined in his desire to play carefree golf to plot his way around the course. He did not drop a shot until the 12th and used his driver only six times. “Will I go back on the offensive this weekend – yeah, 100 per cent,” he said. This is only the fourth time the Ulsterman has opened a Major with two rounds in the 60s, and the three previous times he went on to win the tournament.

“I’m in a great position going into the third day,” he said. “I feel good. I don’t want to say easy, but it’s felt comfortable. Hopefully, I can go out and play well again tomorrow, and then that will be a big chance going into Sunday.”

Next year the Open returns to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland for the first time since 1951.

“It’s going to be really cool to play there,” said McIlroy. “I’d love to be able to hand the Claret Jug back on the first tee of Portrush next year.”