Rory McIlroy repeated at the US Open a controversial conduct criticised by fans and media. The 35-year-old posted a 41 over his closing nine holes, ultimately signing for a four-over 74 in Thursday’s opening round.

Rory McIlroy has struggled to compete in tournaments since winning the Masters in April to complete the career Grand Slam and pick up his fifth major championship

There may not be a more punishing course on the PGA Tour than Oakmont, and while several golfers have battled their way through 36 grueling holes between Thursday and Friday, few wear their emotions as openly as Rory McIlroy.

The Masters champion said he had been struggling to find motivation and in his second round at Oakmont showed frustration, but made it to the weekend.

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?

McIlroy smashed a tee marker on Oakmont's 17th hole on Friday evening, then birdied his last hole to make the U.S. Open cut with a shot to spare.

Rory McIlroy was on top of the golf world. He had just completed the grand slam, winning the Masters in a dramatic playoff over Justin Rose. McIlroy dropped to his knees after sinking the winning putt,

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.

Familiar names like Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson have all won the U.S. Open in the past decade. However, the last 10 years have also brought surprise champions like Matthew Fitzpatrick,