Shinnecock Hills, NY ….

After Sunday’s demolition of the GB & I Curtis Cup team it ensured the United States now possesses the big five of professional and amateur golf – the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, Solheim Cup, the Walker Cup and Curtis Cup.

American-born male golfers also hold the four Majors – Brooks Koepka (US Open), Jordan Spieth (The Open), Justin Thomas (PGA Championship) and Patrick Reed (The Masters).

It is only in the women’s pro game where just one American is currently in possession of one of the five LPGA sanctoned Majors.

Rory McIlroy was asked ahead of this week’s U.S. Open if he was confident of breaking this Stars and Stripes stranglehold.

And in responding to the question he suggested there is one player at the core of this domination – Tiger Woods.

Rory McIlroy quietly-confident of breaking the US domination of the Majors. (Photo – @usopen)

“The USA have had a great run. I mean, they hold all the majors, the team events, amateur, professional — everything, I guess,” he said.

“Look, these things go in cycles. European golf was very healthy a few years ago for a long time. It seemed every major someone from the island of Ireland turned up to, we were winning it. It doesn’t seem that long ago.

“But the great young players from this country, they’re playing well. They have probably a couple of guys, but one in particular that they try to emulate who’s back out here playing, and he’s become a friend of theirs.

“I think that’s been a huge part of all this. A lot of these guys have gotten to know Tiger. And being able to say, okay, this is what he does. And we mightn’t be able to achieve everything that he has, but you can at least try to do that.

“That’s a huge thing for Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups, and them as individuals, as well.”

But then in saying that Mcllroy is quitely-confident of breaking the cycle this week and in what will be his 38th Major appearance.

“I feel good about my game and I just want to give myself another chance to win another major championship. It’s another opportunity to try and do something great this week.”

And McIlroy’s strategy this week and in tackling a golf course where he may use the driver only three to four times?

“I think I’ll adopt a conservative strategy off the tee,” he said. “It’s a long course (7,440 yards) on the card but it doesn’t play as long as what it suggests.

“That’s my strategy this week. I think the biggest challenge is being disciplined, just sticking to your game plan.”

McIlroy will tee-up in the eighth group off the 10th tee and at the early time of 8.02am local time.