Rory McIlroy: US Open conditions suit me

Rory McIlroy believes damp conditions will 'play into his hands' as he bids for a second US Open title at Merion Golf Club this week.

Heavy rain in the Pennsylvania area has softened the golf course considerably, conditions preferred by the world number two.

"I did not really enjoy the US Open at Olympic last year. I much prefer this sort of golf when you hit a shot and it stays where you think it's going to stay," said McIlroy.

"It's probably going to play into my hands a bit more and my iron play is dialled in. As long as I can put it in the fairway, I can take advantage of it."

With Merion playing less than 7,000 yards and heavy rainfall facilitating a receptive course, many are predicting extremely low scoring - something McIlroy was quick to dispel.

"I expect the scores to be lower that usual in the US Open but I don't think you will see scores like Congressional," he added.

"It's still pretty tight and when you hit it in the rough you are not going to make birdie from there."

Earlier in the day Ian Poulter tweeted: "Just watching Golf Channel people interviewing asking if 62 is on this week. What are they smoking. Haha."

On his own chances, McIlroy - who is yet to record a victory since his high-profile equipment switch - added:

"The two majors I have won I was coming in without many expectations. The 2011 US Open was just after the Masters and last year I missed three cuts in a row before the US PGA.

"It's great to have my name on the US Open trophy and I would like to have it on there a few more times."