Rory McIlroy's performance at the US Open raises concerns as he battles through inconsistent play at Oakmont.
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Rory McIlroy finds himself in a precarious position at the 125th US Open, grappling with the unforgiving conditions of Oakmont. After a turbulent round, marked by a promising start followed by disarray, McIlroy’s silence speaks volumes about the pressure he faces.
With a frustrating score of 74, he stands eight strokes behind the leader and risks missing the cut for the second week in a row.
The rollercoaster round begins
Starting on the 10th hole, McIlroy seemed poised for success, notching two birdies in his first nine holes.
His longest drive of the season, a staggering 392 yards on the par-five 12th, had spectators buzzing. But the tide turned dramatically. A three-putt bogey on his 10th hole, coupled with a tangled mess in the thick rough on the fourth, sent him spiraling. By the time he reached the eighth hole, his confidence was clearly shaken, reflected in his inability to chip out of the deep rough.
McIlroy’s mental battle
Despite the struggles, McIlroy’s challenges were not unique to him alone. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau also faced their own hurdles, both finishing with a 73. Yet, McIlroy’s issues seem more pronounced, hinting at deeper mental and technical struggles. “It’s very penal if you miss,” McIlroy noted, emphasizing the course’s punishing nature. His decision to revert to the TaylorMade Qi10 driver—a model he used to secure the green jacket—has yet to yield the expected results.
Emerging competitors
As McIlroy fights to regain his footing, new players are stepping up. American JJ Spaun, who had previously lost to McIlroy in a playoff, dazzled with a bogey-free round of 66, setting a new record for the fewest strokes in the opening nine at Oakmont. Spaun’s calm demeanor and strategic gameplay starkly contrast McIlroy’s visible frustration. “I just tried to take what the course gave me,” Spaun stated, capturing the essence of successful play at this challenging venue.
Stunning moments at Oakmont
The first day of the US Open brought unexpected excitement, including Patrick Reed’s albatross from 286 yards on the fourth hole. Such moments highlight the unpredictability of the course, which can simultaneously reward and punish players. Reed’s stunning shot serves as a reminder of the highs and lows experienced at Oakmont, a course known for its brutal rough and slick greens.
A look ahead
As the tournament progresses, the pressure mounts for McIlroy. He must confront not only the challenges posed by the course but also the weight of expectations. With competitors like Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm lurking close behind, he needs to find a way to stabilize his game. “I felt like I played absolutely beautifully,” said Robert MacIntyre, who managed to finish level par despite the course’s difficulties. This sentiment reflects the struggle many players face in maintaining composure amidst harsh conditions.
Final thoughts
The US Open, notorious for its difficulty, continues to test even the best in the game. With round two approaching, all eyes will be on McIlroy. Will he rally to secure his place in the tournament, or will he succumb to the pressure and find himself missing the cut? One thing is certain: Oakmont will continue to challenge every player who steps onto its greens.
