Here we go again. Another major championship, and another week where Rory McIlroy finds himself in contention heading into the final two rounds.
Despite seeing this scenario time and time again since his last major - in 2014 - as Rory supporters we cannot help but be sucked back into the belief that this will be his week.
He currently lies on eight under par and in a tie for third, just two shots off Rickie Fowler, with two birdies in the final two holes of his second round leaving him with a crucial boost of confidence for moving day.
After the round, McIlroy told reporters that he took inspiration from watching back YouTube videos of his 2014 Open victory at Hoylake - where he also finished two shots ahead of second place Rickie Fowler - reminding himself that he can still win while being conservative off the tee.
I think I've gone through sort of ebbs and flows with that throughout my career.
For whatever reason, I went on to YouTube a few weeks ago and was just looking back at like Hoylake in 2014 and specifically that, and I actually couldn't believe how many irons and 3-woods and stuff I was hitting off the tee.
It set something off in my mind about, you know how to do this. You know how to play smart. You don't have to hit the driver all the time.
Rory McIlroy Seeks Inspiration From Old Major Wins
Oh my word Rory McIlroy! pic.twitter.com/xGoxvc5wvS
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) June 16, 2023
READ HERE: Rory McIlroy Feels He Plays Better With "Noise Going On" In Golf World
"Yes, it's a big weapon [the driver], it's a big advantage," continued McIlroy.
"But I keep saying I've got more weapons in my arsenal I feel now than I did back then, so I may as well use them and play to them.
"I've gone through periods over the last few years where I haven't been patient enough, and I've taken on too much.
"This week and even over the past -- even Memorial was tough at the weekend, and trying to stay patient there. Canada was a little different last week.
"But I think we've had some tests recently where you have to display patience, and hopefully those few experiences recently will help me this weekend."
SEE ALSO: When Harrington, Mickelson, And Montgomerie Threw Away The 2006 US Open
