As World No. 2 Rory McIlroy gears up for the 2026 U.S. Open, a past supporter issued a blunt warning to him. McIlroy's former agent, Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler, came out saying that the conditions at the major’s venue might not suit the Irishman.

McIlroy hasn’t won the U.S. Open since 2011, back when he registered his first major title. He’s been on a good run at the majors lately, but Chandler does not see how the golf course might work out in McIlroy's favor, as he told the media, via Bunkered

“No, I don’t think Shinnecock suits him to win at the US Open. It’s probably going to be fast, it’s probably going to be windy. I would say it’s doubtful he gets the conditions that would suit him.” 

Back in 2018, when the U.S. Open was held at Shinnecock Hills, McIlroy scored 80 and 70 in the first two rounds. It was not enough to make the cut as he fell short by two strokes.  

Overall, the Irishman’s record at the U.S. Open is not particularly impressive. He has featured in the major 17 times and won just once. On top of that, he has missed the cut five times.

Chandler believes that this specific course does not suit McIlroy's style of play, with his monster tee shots, which may find the rough.

“They found a golf course that didn’t suit him particularly, and if it’s like that then he’s losing his advantage. The advantage of hitting it 328 yards is massive, but not if you’re hitting it in the cabbage all the time.” 

At the Aronimink Golf Club, McIlroy was in strong contention for the PGA Championship. However, Chandler stated that the venue ‘got the better’ of the five-time major champ, who ended up finishing tied for seventh place. 

McIlroy currently holds the top rank in the Strokes Gained: Off-the-tee on the PGA Tour. As a result, fast courses do not suit his game. 

McIlroy might have won the U.S. Open just once, but that victory was one for the ages.

Rory McIlroy’s Only Win At The U.S. Open

At the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, McIlroy secured his first and only U.S. Open title. With the win, he set or tied 12 U.S. Open records.

McIlroy shot a score of 16-under par, which is the lowest 72-hole score in the championship's history. He also had the lowest 36 -hole and 54-hole scores, helping him to lift the title by eight strokes, the fourth-largest win margin in the major.

The 30-time PGA Tour winner was clearly elated at the time for his first major victory.

"The whole week has been incredible - I could not have asked for any more and I am so happy to hold this trophy."

As McIlroy looks to continue his rich run of form at majors, he’ll need to prove Chandler wrong to get his hands on his seventh major.

Do you agree with Chandler’s arguments? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Read more at Club Golf!

Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Surjo Ray