The 151st Open Championship is testing the spirits of many experienced players. In the first round only, Liverpool made it pretty clear that it is not easy to attain a victory on its land. And Rory McIlroy who is also participating at the event, has also found it somewhat difficult.

But he is faring much well than his PGA Tour friend, Justin Thomas who yesterday did a lot worse than just struggling. Now he is on the verge of an early exit. But McIlroy has come to his PGA Tour buddy’s aid by defending him.

Rory McIlroy becomes the support system of Justin Thomas at the Open Championship

Within a few hours, the diabolical performance of Justin has spread like wildfire everywhere. Currently, he is at the receiving end of countless criticism with some even questioning his capability of winning at the major tournament.

However, in such a tense situation McIlroy has played the role of a good friend by sticking up for Thomas. At the match post-conference praising Justin, he said “JT will be just okay. JT is one of the most talented guys out here. He shot 69 at TPC [Sawgrass] a couple years ago in like 40-mile-an-hour winds, and I always remind him of it.”

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He continued, “I always go back to that, and if JT can put that sort of display on in those conditions, yeah, we all go through bad patches. That’s golf. There’s not one player in the world that hasn’t. But he’s got the right people around him, and he’s got the right work ethic to get himself out of it.”  His statement was shared by golf columnist Kyle Porter, on Twitter.

Extending his support to Thomas, McIlroy assured that it is just a rough patch that every golfer faces which will soon get over. Hopefully, the Irish golfer’s soothing words will be a big relief for Thomas. 

McIlroy is doing good at the British Open

As for McIlroy’s performance, he fought through the wind all morning on Friday. He said “The wind got me. It’s hard sometimes: whether to play the wind or not to play the wind.” He finished with a 1-under 70 and is sitting on T14 after the second round. “Right now, it’s not entirely out of my hands, but at the same time, I think if I can get to 3-, 4-, 5-under par tomorrow going into Sunday, I’ll have a really good chance.” 

Though he missed some good putts which if well delivered, could have taken him much higher on the scoreboard. 

But he is confident of a good result, especially after his latest victory at the Genesis Open boosted his confidence. Competition aside with his praiseworthy statement Rory proved that a friend in need is a friend indeed. 

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