Rory McIlroy reveals major concern ahead of U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills

Rory McIlroy has admitted he is still searching for answers with his driver ahead of next week's U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, revealing the specific swing issue he believes is holding him back.

The world number two closed with a four-under-par 68 at the Memorial Tournament to finish tied 12th on four under, alongside defending champion Scottie Scheffler and Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose.

While there were encouraging signs elsewhere in his game, McIlroy, 37, left Muirfield Village frustrated that problems off the tee once again prevented him from seriously contending for a first title at Jack Nicklaus' tournament. 

J.T. Poston eventually secured the biggest win of his PGA Tour career after defeating Ryan Gerard in a playoff, with both players finishing regulation at 12 under par.

McIlroy hit just 30 of 56 fairways during the week, finding 54% of the fairways and ranking tied 38th in the field for driving accuracy.

Reflecting on his performance, McIlroy admitted his driver remains a concern with the year's third major championship now just days away.

"It was sort of like two steps forward, one step back," McIlroy said.

"Off the tee still wasn’t where I want it to be. I feel limited at the minute. Thankfully the fairways at Shinnecock are a little wider than they are here.

"I need to work on how I’m hitting it off the tee. But everything else, (my) putting felt pretty good for the most part and my iron play and wedges were pretty nice.

"I’ll just try to keep getting a little bit better each and every day heading into Shinnecock."

McIlroy then offered a detailed explanation of the swing fault that has contributed to his recent struggles behind the wheel.

"I get a little bit underneath the plane on the way down and then from there I try to drag the handle to match it up, and then I get toe strikes, and then the toe strikes are -- like, so if I'm aiming a touch left trying to hit a cut and I get a touch underneath it and then I try to save it by dragging the handle, I hit it off the toe and then it goes left.

"But then if I try to hit with one with a draw or pretty neutral, I'll still get a little bit underneath it, and I'll release it and it will overturn a little bit.

"But I have to try to get the club back out in front of me. But then when it gets out in front of me, if I do get it there, then it's about having the right release pattern on the way through. You look very confused."

Watch McIlroy's driver comments here:

McIlroy's comments provide a rare insight into the technical issue he is attempting to solve before arriving at Shinnecock Hills.

Although he continues to rank among the longest hitters in the game, McIlroy's challenge is currently centred on club delivery and strike location. 

The Northern Irishman explained how getting "underneath the plane" forces him into compensations through impact, often leading to toe strikes and misses left of target.

Despite those frustrations, there were still positives to take from the week.

McIlroy ranked 11th in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee (+2.079), highlighting how his exceptional power remains a major asset even when accuracy is not at its best.

His putting, iron play and wedge game also left him encouraged heading into the U.S. Open, which begins on 18 June.

McIlroy flew back to his new mansion at Wentworth on Sunday evening but plans to return to the United States later this week before heading directly to Long Island for final preparations.

"Overall, (it was) not a bad week, got some good stuff out of it, and I’ve got a week to prep and get ready for Shinnecock," he added.

Driving distance, at least, remains one of McIlroy's greatest strengths. 

He once again leads the PGA Tour at 326.8 yards off the tee, but accuracy has been far harder to find. 

This season he ranks 125th in driving accuracy, hitting 231 of 420 fairways (55%).

McIlroy has been working closely with TaylorMade reps following his switch to the TaylorMade Qi4D driver, but his latest comments suggest he believes the issue is more swing-related than equipment-based.

With Shinnecock Hills expected to feature wider fairways than Muirfield Village, McIlroy will hope a final week of preparation can help him regain confidence off the tee and arrive at the U.S. Open ready to challenge for a fifth major title.