Rory McIlroy, Jason Day address complaints about U.S. Open conditions

The rough is always tough at the U.S. Open, so Rory McIlroy and Jason Day aren’t buying complaints about it this week.

The U.S. Open is being played for the 117th time this week, and the first time at Erin Hills in Wisconsin. Par, or just under, is routinely enough to win a U.S. Open, with stray tee shots ready to be captured by thick rough regardless of the course.

In what feels like an obvious open criticism of a new U.S. Open course, Kevin Na posted a video showing how close the thick fescue is to the fairways at Erin Hills, and how unplayable said fescue is. Others have complained as well, albeit not so openly via social media in most cases.

Rory McIlroy was asked about other players’ complaints about the rough on Tuesday. He clearly isn’t on board.

McIlroy hit the perfect note with the sentiment “you might as well pack your bags and go home” if typical U.S. Open conditions phase you that much. Jason Day backed up the point with his own comments on Tuesday, and a mental edge that can be gained now.

"“Usually when you hear people complain, it’s one less guy you have to worry about at the start of the week. Attitude makes up for at least 25 percent of your performance,” said Day at a press conference on Tuesday."

Seemingly in direct response to the criticism about the rough, the grounds crew at Erin Hills was seen cutting down the rough on Tuesday afternoon.

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There’s a fine line between a tough course to challenge the world’s best golfers, and a course that borders on being unplayable at times (see Shinnecock Hills-2004). Erin Hills may now be a bit more vulnerable, and starting Thursday we’ll find out if scoring is dramatically lower than a typical U.S. Open.