What Rory McIlroy was actually like on the range before his second round started at The Open

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Peter Finch has shared what he noticed about Rory McIlroy on the range ahead of his second round at The Open Championship in what proved to be a miserable time for the Northern Irishman at Royal Troon.

Rory McIlroy was one of the players many would have hoped to see in contention at The Open after he made his return at the Scottish Open following a break in the wake of what happened at Pinehurst in June.

McIlroy played well at The Renaissance Club, which would have left some feeling optimistic about his chances at Troon. Unfortunately, the 35-year-old’s hopes were largely dashed around the turn of his first round, emerging from the 11th hole five over for the day.

He appeared to be determined to attack on day two, but that tactic quickly fell apart. Some were left stunned by McIlroy’s approach into the sixth. That put him at six over for the day and essentially ensured that he would be missing the cut.

What was noticed about Rory McIlroy before his second round at The Open

McIlroy had to be aggressive in that second round if he was going to stand any chance of lifting the Claret Jug for the second time. But it seems that he was never that confident about turning his tournament around.

Speaking on The Rough Cut Golf Podcast, Finch – who was reporting from the range throughout the week – noticed that McIlroy almost appeared beaten before he headed out on Friday.

“With Rory, watching him on the range, he was striking it great, but I must admit, he had a bad first round and his body language on the second round when I was watching him, it wasn’t good. And he approached that first tee, as he came out of the tunnel, he let out such an exasperated breath. It was a look on his face that said, ‘not this again’,” he said.

A season McIlroy probably can’t wait to see the back of

There seemed to be the potential for McIlroy to bounce back in emphatic fashion after what happened at the US Open, with the four-time major champion following the 2011 Masters with an emphatic victory at his next major appearance.

He is also someone who has won The Open before, so he knows that he can shine on links golf. But clearly, he is fighting with his game at the moment.

McIlroy would surely benefit from the season ending now so he can get away from the game properly, as it would be no surprise if some of the pain from the US Open remained.