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McIlroy looks to iron out wind worry

Rory McIlroy took money off Louis Oosthuizen on Wednesday © Getty Images

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Rory McIlroy has moved to combat the likely howling winds at this week's Open Championship by digging out a two iron from his garage that he has not used for six years.

McIlroy is the bookmakers' favourite to win his second major of the year, but those who have fielded against the Ulsterman have suggested he may not be able to cope if the wind gets up at Royal St George's.

The 22-year-old claims he is stronger both mentally and physically than 12 months ago, when he led after the first round at St Andrews - only to implode with a second-round 80.

Since then he has progressed as a player and he is thinking clearly by putting a club in the bag that is ideal for keeping the ball low in the wind.

"If the wind keeps up, it will be tough but I have put a two iron in instead of a five wood to keep the ball lower," McIlroy said. "I played with Gary Woodland at the Memorial tournament last month and he used one. I thought it could be a great club for The Open.

"I went into the garage, found it and had it re-gripped. I've had it since 2005, which is a long time, so I got it tested yesterday to make sure it was legal. Hopefully it will be a big help to me this week.

"I last used a two iron at Carnoustie in 2007, although it wasn't the same one. I hit a couple of good shots there."

McIlroy practiced with good friend Darren Clarke on Wednesday and cut a relaxed figure. He wowed the crowds by winning a money match, for a whopping £20, with South African pair Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen and came off the course in bullish mood.

"I am hitting the ball well and everything is in good shape," he said. "Physically I feel a lot stronger than last year's Open, but mentally I am a lot better too."

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