Rory McIlroy faces crucial driver decision at U.S. Open as rival offers advice

Justin Thomas has advised Rory McIlroy to wield his driver frequently at the U.S. Open, suggesting it could be a game-changer on the challenging Oakmont Country Club course.

After a driver problem at the PGA Championship last month, which didn't pass USGA testing, McIlroy found himself in the spotlight explaining the issue amid the fallout. The Masters winner then faced difficulties, tying for 47th place and subsequently missing the cut at the Canadian Open.

Oakmont presents an even sterner test, with Phil Mickelson labeling it "the hardest golf course we have ever played."

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In the face of such a daunting U.S. Open, Thomas is confident that McIlroy's long drives could prove advantageous.

The course features treacherously fast sloped greens, along with punishing roughs and bunkers. Complicating matters further, heavy rain is predicted, emphasizing the importance of skillful tee shots.

At a media session on Monday before the U.S. Open kick-off on June 12, Thomas was queried about the potential edge for big hitters. The ex-World No. 1 highlighted that while it depends on individual playing styles, McIlroy's driving prowess should not be underestimated.

"Potentially. You look at someone like Rory McIlroy, you drive it like he does, I would pull that driver out as often as I can," Thomas said. "He hits it further and straighter than maybe anybody that's played the game. It's hard to argue why he wouldn't hit driver as often as he could. It truly is dependent on the player and their strategy."

During a practice round of nine holes on Monday in preparation for the competition, Thomas was queried about his driving strategy. He described the course condition: "I just played nine this morning. It's very, very soft.

"The fairways are -- they've obviously gotten a lot of rain here the last couple weeks, I think. It's still extremely challenging. It's just hit the fairway. If you don't hit the fairway, you're just kind of trying to base off of the lie and figure out what you're doing from there the rest of the hole and just try to minimize the damage when you get out of position.

"I hit one, two, three, four -- I hit five on the back nine today. Probably would have hit one on 1, maybe 2, 3, 4, maybe 5, 7, maybe 8 if they decide to have the tee back for some stupid reason, and maybe 9.

"The thing is you have a hole like 15 today, I mean, I hit driver, but again, if it gets a little bit firm and it's downwind, I could hit 5-wood. I think that's cool.

"I think you have a lot of tee shots out here where you're not just like grabbing a club. You're stepping it up on 1, and some guys might hit 3-wood or they may hit driver. On 2, you can see anything from 5- or 6-iron to driver. It really is just kind of a comfort thing in what people are feeling. It may be a certain game plan they have."

The upcoming 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont marks the iconic course's 10th time hosting the prestigious event, with the best score through four rounds being five-under-par. Dustin Johnson stands as the most recent victor from 2016, having finished four-under-par.