OAKMONT, Pa. — It seems like a lifetime ago that Rory McIlroy knelt on all fours at the 18th green at Augusta National sobbing uncontrollably after reaching his ultimate goal of winning the Masters and completing the career Grand Slam.

Rory McIlroy lashed out at the toughest golf course in the country Friday as Oakmont Country Club continued to bare its teeth at the 156 men competing in the 2025 U.S. Open. Though McIlroy was hardly the only golfer to be frustrated by the difficulties he faced in Western Pennsylvania,

US Masters winner confesses he’s wrestling with motivation after disappointing third round leaves him 10 over par

After opening in 4-over 74, Rory McIlroy needed a good start Friday to get back in the U.S. Open mix. Didn't happen. McIlroy's tee shot at the par-4 first finished in an impossible lie in the left fairway bunker.

Rory McIlroy was a no-show with the media once again after a disappointing opening round at the US Open. The Masters champion finished four-over 74 at Oakmont to sit joint-62nd in the leaderboard

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.

Wonder is exactly what his first official drive at Oakmont produced. Beginning on the back nine in Round 1, McIlroy used driver for the first time at the par-5 12th. His tee shot — with a perfect kick and runout — traveled 392 yards, his longest measured drive of the season.