• Open Championship

McIlroy can repeat US Open heroics - Mickelson

ESPN staff
July 13, 2011
Phil Mickelson witness Rory McIlory's US Open heroics first hand © Getty Images
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European stars hoping to feast at Sandwich

Phil Mickelson believes Rory McIlroy is capable of blowing away the rest of the field at this week's Open.

McIlroy, who arrived at Sandwich having not played a round of competitive golf since his US Open victory, has admitted he is unlikely to repeat the blistering performances that saw him stroll to an eight-stroke victory at Congressional last month.

But Mickelson, who was paired with McIlroy for the first two days in Washington, witnessed the 22-year-old's dazzling displays first hand, and is only too aware of what the 22-year-old is capable of.

Having blazed to an opening round 63 at St Andrew's last year, McIlroy saw his Open challenge fade with a second round 80, and he famously threw away a four-shot lead on final day of The Masters at Augusta.

But after McIlroy silenced his critics at Congressional to bag his first major, Mickelson believes every player will have their eye on McIlroy's scores.

"He has got the ability to turn it on and shot low scores," Mickelson said. "He did that at the Masters and at the Open last year, with 63.

"And to come out and win the US Open a month ago with some very impressive play, everyone has got to look at what he shoots because he is a threat every week."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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