UNIVERSITY PLACE, Washington (Reuters) - Rory McIlroy had only good things to say about Chambers Bay after his first look at the links-style layout.
But the world number one was not as generous with his compliments following an opening two-over 72 at the U.S.
Open on Thursday.
McIlroy, who grew up playing on true links courses in Northern Ireland, arrived in the Pacific Northwest ready to embrace the Chambers Bay challenge with its huge sand dunes, semi-blind shots from several fairways and 'British Open' feel.
While encouraged by his play from the tee, the slick undulating greens were another matter, as McIlroy was never able to find a confident stroke on the fescue grass.