Rory McIlroy has expressed optimism regarding the scoring at the upcoming US Open at Shinnecock Hills, predicting that the winning score will be lower than in previous years. He attributes this expectation to more favorable conditions, particularly less wind, which has historically impacted play. McIlroy recalled his experiences during the 2018 tournament, where the wind made it challenging to maintain par, resulting in high scores. He emphasized that the USGA is likely to ensure a more manageable setup this year to avoid the controversies faced in past tournaments, such as the 2004 and 2018 events, where course conditions led to significant scoring issues. McIlroy noted that Shinnecock's unique layout requires strategic shot placement, particularly given its small greens and the potential for tricky pin placements. He believes this year’s setup will allow for a fair challenge without compromising the integrity of the tournament.