• US Open

Tiger's fear factor has gone claims McIlroy

ESPN staff
June 15, 2010
McIlroy confident he can beat Woods

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Rory McIlroy is convinced Tiger Woods has lost his fear factor, and the Northern Ireland star is confident he can beat the world No. 1 at the US Open.

The year's second Major begins on Thursday, with British golf currently in its best shape for decades. Lee Westwood's PGA Tour triumph at the St Jude Classic came on the back of Justin Rose's triumph at the Memorial Tournament, and five of the top 10 players in the world represent the British Isles.

Contrastingly, Woods is still scratching around for form following revelations of problems in his personal life, and he looks a long way from the form required to win his fourth US Open. In his prime, Woods amassed 14 Major titles in an 11-year period, but McIlroy believes his rivals are no longer turning up to play for second place.

"The guys at that time faced Tiger Woods when he looked like he could just turn up and win golf tournaments," said McIlroy.

"Now it's very different. I wouldn't be surprised if he played well this week and I wouldn't be surprised if he won, but the mentality has changed.

"If you go up against Tiger now, you know you've got a good chance to beat him."

McIlroy finished tied for 29th at the St Jude Classic, failing to break par in the final two rounds, but he is not worried by his game ahead of Pebble Beach.

"There were signs last week that my game is really shaping up well. I played a practice round out there today to get a feel for the golf course. Hopefully by Thursday I'll be in good shape."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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