Butch bashes Rory's 'robotic' putting!

The Northern Irishman finished the round just three shots off the lead after an opening 69, however after missing a number of very makeable birdie putts in his round, McIlroy was then criticised by world renowned coach Butch Harmon.

Harmon claimed: “He looks like a robot when I see him practice putting.”

Far from encouraging remarks for the player looking to win his first major in four years. And McIlroy hit back at Harmon, obviously very disgruntled with the comments on his short game.

McIlroy said: “I like Butch a lot but I would definitely say I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum to someone who’s mechanical.

“It’s easy to make comments when you don’t know what’s happening. I haven’t spoken to Butch in a long time. He does not know what I’m working on or what’s in my head.”

McIlroy produced once more on day two with another impressive round of 69 leaving him at -4 and at the time just one shot off the lead.

Despite his aggressive driving strategy leaving him in a few spots of bother, McIlroy has left himself in prime precision to compete going into moving day at the 147th Open Championship.