Can McIlroy win the Open?

     Rory McIlroy is in a unique position. The 22 year old Irishman has led the last three majors, and largely in convincing fashion. There seems to be a new cockiness to him at this year's Open. McIlroy is playing with much more conviction at this major championship and all for a 22 year old with incredible talent.

     The only thing preventing McIlroy from winning his first major tournament is himself. When a player with his talent and future takes control of his own psyche and ability, he can harness something greater than the game. He can become a champion and instill life into a sport that needs a new hero. A new face to take over for the older fan favorites, like Lefty and Tiger. I am a fan of the game of golf and to bring Rory McIlroy into the winners circle would do more for the game than even he realizes.

     The course is laid out well for McIlroy and fits his eye, as we've already witnessed with opening 65 and 66. They usually refer to Saturday as "moving day" and I would expect a lot of movement today. It should be very interesting out there today in our nations capitol. The field will move for sure with players like Y.E. Yang, Zach Johnson and Matt Kuchar in the fray. Yang stands to have a clear shot at this championship because like many Asian-born players, Yang seems to have nerves of steel or ice in his veins...he is a cool customer like many winners in sports. Yang won the 2009 PGA Championship with Tiger Woods right there. Yang didn't seem to care about that and we have all witnessed so many PGA tour players crumble with Tiger lurking on the leaderboard.

     McIlroy has such a big lead going into the weekend and as long as he drives the ball well and plays smart golf, this tournament could end on Saturday. However, if McIlroy has a mental lapse, Yang and company could easily gain shots on the young McIlroy and make this U.S. Open interesting and captivating on Sunday.