Is the ‘Rory bounce’ a real phenomenon at the U.S. Open 2024? My Pinehurst experiment reveals the truth

Rory McIlroy’s performance at the U.S. Open in Pinehurst had fans wondering if the iconic Rory Bounce was back. With an opening-round score of 65 to co-lead the tournament, it seemed like he was in top form. To investigate this further, a unique experiment was conducted to measure Rory’s walking pace during his second round.
Using a stopwatch to time Rory’s movements from tee to fairway, the study aimed to determine if he was walking faster than usual. By dividing the time it took for Rory to walk a certain distance by the shot he just hit, a feet-traveled-per-second metric was established. This allowed for comparisons to be made with Rory’s previous performances.
The findings revealed that Rory started off strong with a brisk pace, slightly slower than his benchmark pace from a previous tournament. As the round progressed, his walking pace varied depending on his performance on the course. When faced with challenges or disappointments, Rory seemed to walk faster, indicating a possible correlation between his emotions and his walking speed.
Experts suggest that golfers tend to adjust their pace under pressure, either speeding up or slowing down based on the situation. This could explain Rory’s fluctuating walking speeds throughout the round as he navigated the course and dealt with challenges. Despite the scientific approach to measuring his pace, the Rory Bounce remained more of a stylistic and emotional expression rather than a measurable phenomenon.
Ultimately, the experiment shed light on how Rory’s walking pace may reflect his mindset and emotions on the course. The subtle variations in his speed could offer insights into his mental state and performance during the tournament. While the Rory Bounce may not be quantifiable, it continues to be a defining characteristic of his game and personality on the golf course. As the U.S. Open at Pinehurst unfolds, fans can continue to watch for the signature Rory Bounce that sets him apart from other players on the tour.