Rory McIlroy says one part of his game that nobody talks about is now ‘really good’

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Rory McIlroy has suggested that an underrated part of his game is now in really good shape ahead of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No.2.

The Northern Irishman is in search of his fifth major title and has already tasted victory twice since the turn of the year, with his most recent triumph coming during the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow.

McIlroy will be faced with a very different test this week, with Pinehurst’s testing greens set to challenge the world’s best players.

Nearly ten years have passed since his last major title, but despite the drought, the Northern Irishman has claimed one part of his game is as good as it’s ever been.

Rory McIlroy lauds underrated part of his game ahead of the US Open

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Speaking to the media ahead on Tuesday, McIlroy insisted his putting could be well-suited to Pinehurst’s testing greens.

“I have turned myself into a pretty proficient player around the greens,” he explained. “I have always been a pretty good chipper of the ball; bunker play has been solid for most of my career.”

McIlroy went on to suggest that his work with the flat stick is perhaps overlooked at times.

He added: “I feel like I have turned myself into a really good putter over these past four or five years. Driving is what people are interested in when people watch me hit a golf ball, but it takes more than driving a golf ball to win the amount of tournaments that I have, and I feel like all aspects of my game are in pretty good shape at the minute.”

Rory McIlroy must putt well to stance chance at Pinehurst No.2

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With Pinehurst’s quick greens set to play a significant role this week, McIlroy must ensure he putts well throughout.

During practice rounds, putts have regularly been seen rolling off the sides of the turtleback greens into run-off areas.

Those players who manage their line and pace with microscopic precision should benefit.

McIlroy’s length off the tee will also give the four-time major winner an advantage. Being able to attack Pinehurst’s greens with shorter irons should give him more control.

If the 35-year-old can play to his strengths, he stands every chance of ending his long wait for major number five, an outcome large swathes of the golfing world would no doubt love to ensue.