McIlroy Stunned by Ferocious US Open Course in Back-Nine Collapse, Trails Spaun by Eight

Rory McIlroy Stumbles as Oakmont Bites Back at US Open
(Image: Rory McIlroy grimaces after a missed putt. Caption: Rory McIlroy battled driver issues during his opening-round 74 at Oakmont.)

Rory McIlroy’s US Open began with promise but unraveled dramatically at Oakmont Country Club, leaving him eight shots behind early leader JJ Spaun after a chaotic first-round 74. Starting on the back nine, McIlroy birdied two of his first three holes but collapsed on the inward stretch, carding four bogeys and a double bogey. His struggles with a new driver and errant approach shots led to a silent exit from the course, continuing his post-Masters slump.

(Image: JJ Spaun celebrates a birdie. Caption: JJ Spaun fired a bogey-free 66 to lead the US Open.)

In stark contrast, Spaun delivered a masterclass, shooting a four-under 66 without dropping a shot—a rare feat at Oakmont. The 2016 US Open here saw only one bogey-free round (Dustin Johnson’s winning effort), underscoring Spaun’s brilliance. His flawless performance included clutch par saves on six missed greens, setting a daunting target for the field.

Stars Struggle on "Brutal" Layout
Top contenders Scottie Scheffler (73) and Bryson DeChambeau (73) barely fared better. DeChambeau, the defending champion, dubbed Oakmont “brutal” after needing three shots to escape greenside rough at the 12th. Scheffler, world No. 1, managed just 11 greens in regulation, while Brooks Koepka (68) and Jon Rahm (69) were rare bright spots. Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy and others were undone by Oakmont’s signature hazards: dense rough, lightning-fast greens, and punishing bunkers.

(Image: Shane Lowry tosses a microphone in frustration. Caption: Shane Lowry reacted angrily during a grueling 79.)

Shane Lowry’s disastrous 79 epitomized Oakmont’s cruelty. Despite hitting 10 fairways and holing out for eagle, his putting woes and scrambling struggles left him adrift. Playing partner Justin Rose shot 77, and the marquee group combined for +20.

Glimmers of Hope Amid the Carnage
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre (70) led the British charge, navigating Oakmont’s narrow fairways to finish level par. Meanwhile, McIlroy’s rollercoaster round peaked early before unraveling. A poor drive led to a double bogey at the par-five 4th, and errant shots on the 8th capped his misery. With driver woes lingering—his fourth different setup in three tournaments—McIlroy faces an uphill battle to revive his major hopes.

(Image: Oakmont’s treacherous bunkers. Caption: Deep bunkers and thick rough punished wayward shots.)

Oakmont’s reputation as golf’s toughest test held firm. DeChambeau predicted a winning score near three under if conditions stay dry, but Spaun’s 66 offers hope for challengers. For McIlroy, however, the quest for a fifth major remains stalled, as Oakmont’s teeth proved sharper than his resolve.
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