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McIlroy's Driver Woes Deepen as Canadian Open Dreams End

Rory McIlroy's struggles with his driver have reached a concerning level, culminating in a missed cut at the Canadian Open. The Masters champion's performance, just days before the US Open, has sparked considerable debate and raised questions about his form heading into the year's second major. A frustrating second round of 78, eight-over par, left McIlroy at a total of +9 for the tournament, well outside the cut mark.

The issues with McIlroy's driver have been evident for several weeks, with inconsistent ball flights and a lack of distance plaguing his game. While he attempted adjustments throughout the tournament, nothing seemed to alleviate the problem. The Canadian Open proved to be another challenging experience, as McIlroy visibly battled with his equipment and found himself consistently in difficult positions.

A Rare Post-Round Media Appearance

What made McIlroy’s situation particularly noteworthy was his decision to speak to the media after his disappointing second round. Typically, players who miss the cut avoid press conferences, but McIlroy felt compelled to address the elephant in the room – his driver issues. He acknowledged the problem, stating that he was “searching” for a solution and that it was impacting his overall game.

Impact on the US Open

The timing of these struggles couldn't be worse for McIlroy. The US Open, a notoriously challenging major championship, is less than a week away. The course at Pinehurst No. 2 demands accuracy and precision, qualities that are difficult to achieve when a player is struggling with their driver.

Experts are weighing in on McIlroy's situation, with some suggesting a complete equipment change might be necessary. Others believe that fine-tuning his technique and finding a consistent setup could be the key to unlocking his potential. However, with limited time before the US Open, McIlroy faces a race against the clock to resolve these issues.

What's Next for McIlroy?

The focus now shifts to McIlroy's preparations for the US Open. Will he make any drastic changes to his equipment? Will he continue to work with his coach to refine his technique? All eyes will be on the former world number one as he attempts to turn his form around and contend for another major championship. The pressure is on, and the stakes are high. His performance in Canada has undoubtedly raised concerns, but McIlroy has a history of responding well under pressure. Whether he can overcome these challenges and rediscover his best form remains to be seen.

The Canadian Open exit serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional golf and the importance of having reliable equipment. For Rory McIlroy, the journey to the US Open promises to be one of intense focus and determination as he seeks to silence the critics and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with.