Nick Faldo reveals whether he thinks Royal Troon was set-up fairly after Rory McIlroy suffers shocker on day two of The Open

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Nick Faldo shared his thoughts on Royal Troon’s set-up after several high-profile names missed the cut at the 152nd Open Championship.

Rory McIlroy was the most significant name to miss out on the weekend, and the Northern Irishman delivered an honest verdict on his poor performance during his post-round press conference.

It wasn’t just the four-time major champion who struggled, however.

LIV Golf ace Joaquin Niemann made a quintuple at the infamous ‘Postage Stamp’, and Aguri Iwaski endured a day to forget, carding a round of 20 over, which included back-to-back nines.

Nick Faldo: The Open Championship set-up has been ‘brilliant’

• READ MORE: Royal Troon Golf Club: Location, Course Information, Prices & More

Speaking on Sky Sports after the second day’s play, Faldo was asked whether he thought the Open Championship layout was too penal.

“I think they have set the course up brilliantly. It is fair and tough,” he explained.

Faldo went on to suggest more players needed to execute lower tee shots. “I have never seen so many guys fail to hit a little runner,” Faldo added. “You need the Lee Trevino worm burner! Just get it on the short grass. They still stand up and hit it, and they cannot control the wind.”

Paul McGinley agrees with Nick Faldo’s assessment of Royal Troon

• READ MORE: The Open: Location, History, Winners, Prize Money, Ticketing

Paul McGinley, also speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage, admitted his surprise at the number of players failing to keep their ball below the wind.

“I couldn’t agree more,” he said. “I’m really surprised. They are playing it all in the air.” The Irishman was particularly surprised at McIlroy’s 93-yard approach on the sixth, where he hit an eight iron.

McGinley added: “Rory’s third shot on six, he was 93 yards and was hitting an eight iron. He made it seem like it was a full eight iron; it popped up in the air, and the wind has got it. What’s wrong with the one which is 20 feet off the ground?”

Shane Lowry, who leads the way on seven under, has looked to flight his ball down whenever possible and has certainly reaped the rewards. It’s a similar story for Justin Rose – at five under – who has ensured his ball remains out of any serious trouble throughout the first two rounds.