Something is eating Rory McIlroy. How does a guy go from the pinnacle of professional fulfillment to the petulant, club-throwing, tee marker-smashing anger ball that’s been stomping around Oakmont Country Club the last two days?

Sam Burns held the second round clubhouse lead at the U.S. Open on Friday as overnight leader J.J. Spaun struggled late at Oakmont Country Club while Rory McIlroy was flirting with the cutline and Bryson DeChambeau looked certain to head home early.

A poor second nine left Rory McIlroy with a 4-over 74 in the first round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont. He played his final six holes in 5 over. This U.S.

All three were between seven and eight shots behind the leader, and all were in danger of being cut Friday. The U.S. Open remains golf’s cruelest test.

Rory McIlroy started off hot in the first round of the U.S. Open on Thursday, but a brutal finish to his round leaves him well off the lead after 18 holes.

Scottie Scheffler opened with a three-over-par 73 that was his worst first-round score relative to par of his majors career.

Rory McIlroy's New Personal Record at US Open Is Turning Heads originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It has been quite a stretch for Rory McIlroy in recent weeks, mostly filled with lows for the PGA Tour star ahead of the U.S. Open. If McIlroy's start at Oakmont is any indication, things could be turning around for the golfer.

Golf expert Sia Nejad has revealed his U.S. Open 2025 picks and PGA best bets for Oakmont Country Club, beginning Thursday, June 12