Rory McIlroy Faces Tough Challenge in Oakmont’s Rugged Rough at US Open

Rory McIlroy Faces Tough Challenge in Oakmont’s Rugged Rough at US Open

Throughout the week, golf enthusiasts have heard much about the challenging conditions awaiting players at Oakmont Country Club during the 125th U.S. Open. On the first day of competition, Rory McIlroy exemplified the difficulties posed by this legendary course.

The 2025 Masters champion experienced a rollercoaster round on Thursday. Initially, McIlroy displayed promise, but as his round progressed, the tough terrain of Oakmont took its toll.

Strong Start Derailed by Oakmont’s Claustrophobic Rough

McIlroy began with an impressive front nine, carding a 33. He secured birdies on both the second and third holes, while maintaining par on the remaining holes. However, the back nine proved to be a major obstacle, and it disrupted his momentum.

His first bogey of the day occurred on Hole 1, as McIlroy started his round on Hole 10. Yet the challenges intensified on Hole 4. His drive on the par-5 veered right and landed deep in the dense, high grass. The ball became entirely hidden, making it nearly impossible for McIlroy to locate it.

Struggles in the Thick Stuff

Taking a hack at the obscured ball yielded little success, as it barely advanced a few feet. Determined to recover, McIlroy found himself partially in a fairway bunker for his next shot, but once again his effort resulted in minimal distance.

Fortunately, he managed to place one foot back onto the fairway with his fourth shot, positioning the ball just before the green. With a chance to salvage a bogey, McIlroy sank a challenging 30-foot putt, escaping what could have been a catastrophic sequence.

Mounting Challenges in Rapid Succession

Even though McIlroy hoped the troublesome moments would cease, they did not. Holes six through eight brought a bogey, another bogey, and a double-bogey. Consistency in his swing evaded him, compounded by missed short putts that could have helped him maintain par.

As McIlroy approached his second-to-last hole, he faced yet another setback. His tee shot on the 289-yard par-3 buried itself deep in the rough beyond the green. A frustrated last-ditch attempt to recover resulted in another disheartening pitch shot that barely advanced a few feet ahead.

Final Score Reflects the Struggles

Completing his round at 4-over par (74), McIlroy found himself tied for 64th place on the U.S. Open leaderboard. His performance illustrates the formidable challenge posed by Oakmont’s legendary design.

McIlroy wasn’t alone in grappling with the punishing conditions. His close friend Shane Lowry also encountered significant difficulties during his round, finishing with an unflattering 9-over par 79. Reports highlighted a scene where Lowry was visibly frustrated, even tossing a microphone around the green after a misplayed chip shot.

Prominent Players Struggle Alongside McIlroy

Several other top players found themselves in similarly daunting situations on Thursday. Notables such as Justin Rose, with a score of 7-over, Patrick Cantlay at 6-over, Matthew Fitzpatrick at 4-over, and Wyndham Clark also finished the day over par. Their struggles speak volumes about the challenges posed by the Oakmont course.

The interest in how the leaderboard will shape up remains high, especially with afternoon contenders yet to complete their rounds. As players prepare for Friday, both McIlroy and several others may have significant work ahead to make the cut for the U.S. Open.

Looking Ahead to Friday’s Challenges

With the U.S. Open still very much in its early stages, golf fans will be keyed into how McIlroy and his fellow competitors manage the course’s trials. As the competition unfolds, the stakes and tensions will undoubtedly grow.

This week at Oakmont serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of golf, where conditions can shift dramatically and test even the most seasoned of players. The path to recovery remains uncertain, but the determination of athletes like McIlroy promises an exciting next round.

Overall, the first day of the U.S. Open has set the stage for an electrifying tournament, showcasing the grit and resilience needed to conquer one of golf’s most challenging venues.