Oakmont, Pa. – Despite a rocky start, Rory McIlroy found a silver lining as he ended his U.S. Open campaign with an impressive 3-under 67. It wasn't enough to put him in contention, but it sure was enough to give him a boost as he gears up for the year's final major.
McIlroy's performance at Oakmont was a roller coaster, with rounds of 74-72-74 setting an early tone of frustration. Yet, wrapped in the silver lining of that closing 67, he snagged a tie for 26th place before the final group even took the stage on Sunday.
"Driving's been solid all week," McIlroy shared, noting his pride in leading the field in driving distance. "Today it clicked—felt like I was top five in strokes gained off the tee. That’s a big confidence booster." In reality, he ranked third in strokes gained off the tee.
Next on McIlroy's agenda is the Travelers Championship, with the Scottish Open and Open Championship at Royal Portrush in the queue. The latter, held in Northern Ireland, is close to McIlroy's heart.
April marked a mile-high moment for the world No. 2, as he completed the career Grand Slam with a Masters triumph. But the climb seemed to leave him untethered; since, he's felt the strain of setting new ambitions. His performance in subsequent tournaments—the PGA Championship (T47) and the RBC Canadian Open (MC)—mirrors the struggle.
"Climbing my Everest at the Masters was euphoric, but now it's about finding that next Everest," McIlroy mused. "The Open at Portrush? That's a mountain I want to summit."
Last time The Open was at Portrush in 2019, McIlroy missed the cut. This time, he's hoping to rewrite the script.
