Rory McIlroy is anxious to get his campaign for a second US Open title under way after a lengthy spell of preparation ahead of the Shinnecock Hills event.

McIlroy rented a house in the area for two weeks and made the trip east immediately after finishing in a tie for eighth in the Memorial Tournament in Ohio.

“I first played here in 2014 and it has definitely been a US Open I have been looking forward to,” the 2011 champion said. “I love the golf course, especially with how the conditions have been. The wind and dryness remind me a bit of courses back home.

“I’ve spent quite a bit of time here and think I played 18 out of 19 days before taking a day off on Saturday.

“I came straight after Memorial and played a few courses in the area. I’ve had a bit of fun and a good few looks at this course and I’m looking forward to getting started tomorrow.

“I’m happy that I have an early tee time because it feels like I have been here a while and I’m anxious to get started.”