McIlroy to pitch at Giants game before U.S. Open

By Julian Linden

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Rory McIlroy was facing an unusual dilemma in the build-up to this week's U.S. Open in northern California.

While the prospect of blasting a golf ball 300 yards in front of a packed gallery presents no fears for the Northern Irishman, the thought of pitching a baseball 20 yards was weighing on his mind.

The reigning U.S. Open champion was invited to toss the first pitch at Tuesday's Major League Baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and Houston Astros.

During his practice round at the Olympic club on Tuesday, McIlroy tested out his arm by throwing a few golf balls on the fairways but was no clearer about what his strategy would be when he steps on the pitcher's mound.

"I definitely would rather get booed at a baseball game than on a golf course," he joked. "It will be the first experience for me.

"I don't know whether to play it conservatively and just lob it into his hand or go for the fast one. I'm not sure."

The Giants were planning to mark the occasion by giving all the spectators a bobblehead doll of McIlroy as a keepsake.

"I think it's maybe better looking than me, which is a good thing," McIlroy said.