Rory McIlroy announces U-turn after branding US Open decision 'stupid'

Rory McIlroy has revealed he performed a swift U-turn after initially branding a controversial United States Golf Association decision as "stupid" ahead of this week's US Open at Shinnecock Hills.

The USGA confirmed earlier this week that officials intend to syringe the greens between the morning and afternoon waves on Thursday and Friday in a bid to maintain consistent playing conditions.

The move has become a major talking point before the opening round, particularly with strong winds forecast to sweep across one of golf's toughest venues.

McIlroy admitted his first reaction to the plan was far from positive.

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"When I first heard of it my first reaction was, 'That's stupid, why are they doing that?'" the Northern Irishman said.

However, after learning more about conditions at Shinnecock Hills, the reigning Masters champion quickly changed his mind.

"It's a unique golf course," McIlroy explained.

"The members at Shinnecock will tell you they do that every single day.

"Every single day at this course the members play, they put water on the course at 2 p.m."

McIlroy stressed that his main concern was the perception that tournament organisers had lost control of the setup.

"For me it's more my concern was you don't want it to look as if you've lost the golf course and you're starting to put water on it, which I don't think is what they're going to do," he said.

With gusty conditions expected during Thursday's opening round, McIlroy accepts the decision may actually help preserve fairness between players teeing off early and late in the day.

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"I think especially with the heaviness of the wind on Thursday it's probably prudent to do that," he said.

"Friday doesn't look as windy but I think just for again fairness and competitive integrity they do it on Friday too."

McIlroy heads into the championship among the favourites after an impressive run at the US Open in recent years.

Although he endured a miserable week at Shinnecock in 2018, missing the cut after opening with a 10-over-par 80, he has since established himself as one of the event's most consistent performers.

The 2011 champion recorded six successive top-10 finishes before ending tied for 19th at Oakmont last year.

McIlroy believes his growing patience has played a key role in improving his performances at the tournament.

"If you can get your ball to the middle of the greens here and just putt to the corners wherever the flags are going to be, that's never going to be a bad strategy," he said.

"It hasn't gotten me the trophy, but it's gotten me pretty close for a few years.

"But I definitely feel like I've become a lot better of a U.S. Open player by trying to really stay patient throughout the week and not taking on too much."

McIlroy is now chasing a second US Open crown and a seventh major title overall, convinced Shinnecock remains the ultimate examination in golf when conditions are at their toughest.

"I think if everything is going the way everyone wants it in terms of weather, setup, I think it's the best championship test in the country," he said.

"I think it tests all aspects of the game: driving, iron play, you need to have your wits about you on the greens."

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