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Relaxed McIlroy fires warning to rivals

Rory McIlroy decimated the field at the US Open © Getty Images

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ESPN will be providing comprehensive coverage of the Open Championship, with live scores, news and all the reaction from Royal St George's

European stars hoping to feast at Sandwich

Rory McIlroy has accepted he is unlikely to reproduce the golf that saw him demolish the field at last month's US Open, but has warned his rivals he is feeling less pressure than he did before claiming his first major.

The 22-year-old arrives at Sandwich for the start of the Open Championship, which gets underway on Thursday, having not played a competitive round since cruising to an eight-stroke victory at Congressional over three weeks ago.

McIlroy has come in for criticism from some quarters for opting to take an extended break rather than prepare for the unique challenge of Links golf, but the Northern Irishman is standing by his decision to spend some time away from the course.

"I feel as if it's been big for me to have those three weeks off to recharge the batteries," he told Sky Sports News. "I had a couple of long nights after the US Open so it's been nice to get a bit of rest. But it's been nice to get back out on the golf course and practice again and get on the range and really start focusing on this tournament.

"I feel as if my preparation has been good, I think the three weeks off has been key for me and I feel really refreshed going into this week.

All eyes will be on the Ulsterman at Royal St George's, with many eager to see if he can replicate his stunning performance at the US Open, where he finished on 16-under-par - a competition record. Despite being the player on everybody's lips, McIlroy is taking it all in his stride, and is excited to try and add a second major to his trophy cabinet.

"I don't think I'll be able to play that sort of golf every week I tee it up," he said. "I hope I do, but I can't see it. And I don't think the public's expectations are higher than mine. I've already sort of noticed over the past three weeks it has been a bit of a life-changing experience and it's just something I'm going to have to deal with.

"But this is what I've always wanted to do - I've always wanted to be a successful golfer and be one of the best players in the world and to win major championships. If I have to put up with a few things along the way, then I'm fine with that. Winning my first major has lifted a weight. I don't have to answer that question - now I can talk about winning my second one.

"If anything it just gives me more confidence knowing that I can do it."

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