McIlroy hoping nappy days are here again at a Major

RORY McILROY is targeting a fast start to the US Open as he looks to make the most of golf ’s nappy factor.

New fathers have experienced an unusually high rate of success and the Northern Irishman is hoping that rings true as he seeks to end a six-year Major drought, either at Winged Foot this week or at the Masters in November.

World No.4 McIlroy said: “If you’ve looked at my Major performances over the last few years, I’ve got off to slow starts. I probably put a little too much pressure on myself going in.

“And from there, shooting a bad score on the first day and putting yourself under even more pressure from there, then to try to play catch-up, that’s been the big thing.

“When I start tournaments well I seem to stay up there. I started Pebble Beach last year with a nice score and stayed up there for the most part – although I didn’t quite finish the week the way I wanted to.

“But that’s been the big thing for me. If I can start and put a good solid round together on a Thursday, I’m usually right there.”

McIlroy’s wife Erica gave birth to the couple’s first child two weeks ago and the timing allowed him to compete in the season-ending Tour Championship.

A tie for seventh place at East Lake was the 31-year-old’s first top 10 since the sport returned following lockdown.

He added: “It just puts things in perspective. It makes the hard days a little easier to get over. If it doesn’t quite happen, I can live with that.

“That’s maybe something I haven’t done so well in the past. I haven’t left my job at the office. I’ve brought it home with me and I’ve let it affect my mood.”