McIlroy U.S. Open: ‘Pretty Average’ Performance
- — Rory McIlroy's U.S.Open campaign at Oakmont Country Club hit a snag Saturday, as he carded a 4-over-par 74, placing him at 10-over for the tournament.
- McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters, has openly discussed struggling with motivation.
- Open performance has been "pretty average," McIlroy said.
Rory McIlroy’s U.S. Open run faltered, sparking discussions about motivation and media scrutiny, as highlighted by his “pretty average” performance. The star golfer admitted to struggling with drive since achieving the career Grand Slam, a factor impacting his game. Alongside the performance struggles, McIlroy is grappling with media frustrations, stemming from the driver controversy. His reluctance to engage with the press has added another layer to his U.S. Open experience. Check News Directory 3 for the latest developments. Will McIlroy find his form? Discover what’s next in the concluding round.
McIlroy’s U.S. Open Doldrums: Motivation and Media in the Spotlight
Updated June 15, 2025
OAKMONT, Pa. — Rory McIlroy’s U.S.Open campaign at Oakmont Country Club hit a snag Saturday, as he carded a 4-over-par 74, placing him at 10-over for the tournament. A bogey on the 18th capped a frustrating day for the star golfer,who had scrambled to make the cut with two late birdies Friday.
McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters, has openly discussed struggling with motivation. He acknowledged feeling “flat” since achieving that milestone. This lack of drive has seemingly impacted his recent performances, including a missed cut at the RBC Canadian Open and a lackluster showing at the PGA Championship.
The U.S. Open performance has been “pretty average,” McIlroy said. “I was hoping to play better but I didn’t.”
Adding to McIlroy’s woes is his relationship with the media. He skipped media sessions at both the PGA Championship and early in the U.S. Open. He attributed this to frustration stemming from the USGA’s scrutiny of his driver at Quail Hollow, where officials deemed it nonconforming. Scottie scheffler also faced similar issues with his driver that week.
USGA CEO Mike Whan addressed the equipment issue, stating, “I think when you talk about a rules violation or somebody who’s playing with a hot driver, that gets so much more sensational than the reality…we think the testing that we’re doing now is commensurate with the size of both the issue and the size of the reality of the issue.”
Despite the driver controversy, McIlroy believes his driving has been solid at Oakmont. He returned to his older Taylormade model,used at the Masters. While he’s hitting 55% of fairways, his approach game has cost him strokes.
McIlroy emphasized that he feels he has “earned the right to do whatever I want to do,” regarding media availability. He hopes the PGA Tour doesn’t change its policies on player media obligations.
“It’s more a frustration with you guys,” McIlroy said, explaining his limited media engagement. “I’ve been totally available for the last few years…maybe more just the whole