Rory McIlroy responds when asked if he’s too far back to catch Wyndham Clark with 36 holes left at the US Open

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Rory McIlroy is sitting seven shots adrift of the leader, Wyndham Clark, with 36 holes remaining at the US Open.

McIlroy posted a second-round 71 at Shinnecock Hills on Friday, but it could have been so much better.

The 37-year-old Northern Irishman played some fantastic golf on his front nine on day two, but he shot a back-nine 38 to drift outside the top 10.

Despite his poor back nine, Rory McIlroy still has a good chance of winning the US Open at Shinnecock Hills.

Wyndham Clark has held seven 36-hole leads throughout his career and he hasn’t converted any of them into wins.

McIlroy was definitely on the wrong side of the draw at the US Open this week, and he will be proud of the fact he managed to shoot 140 for two rounds.

Rory McIlroy says whether he can catch Wyndham Clark

McIlroy addressed the media after his second round at Shinnecock on Friday evening.

The six-time major champion responded when asked whether he truly believes he can catch Clark over the weekend.

“I think there is a bit of a draw discrepancy over the first two days and that will even itself out when we play in the same conditions over the weekend,“ he said.

“I have played enough good golf to know that I still have a chance this weekend. I made three bogeys in a row today, so if I can get out of getting into those bogey runs and make a few birdies here and there I feel I still have a good chance.“

But how far is too far back? Is McIlroy too far back?

McIlroy answered that exact question during his post-round press conference.

“I mean, I don’t think so,“ he said.

“I think Brooks was pretty far back going into the weekend in 2018.

“So, yeah, if there’s a course where you feel like you still have a chance if you’re seven back going into the weekend like I am, it’s definitely this one.“

Rory McIlroy’s US Open hopes will depend on Wyndham Clark

McIlroy obviously has the ability to win the US Open at Shinnecock Hills this week.

However, much will depend on Wyndham Clark.

Will the American come back to the field, or will he continue to put his foot down and separate himself entirely?

Only time will tell in that regard.

However, what is certain is the fact that Rory McIlroy needs to tidy up his game ever so slightly and limit his mistakes, if he is to have any chance of winning the US Open.