Rory McIlroy recently faced a challenging round of golf at the renowned Oakmont Country Club, a venue steeped in golfing history and known for its demanding layout. During a practice round ahead of the U.S. Open, McIlroy’s performance was less than stellar, posting an 81 over 18 holes—a score that, while disappointing, didn’t dampen his spirits entirely. “Last Monday felt impossible,” he remarked in a press conference, highlighting the difficulty of the course. Yet, the reigning Masters champion found a silver lining by birdieing the last two holes, bringing a touch of satisfaction to an otherwise tough day.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland speaks to the media during a practice round prior to the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 10, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
McIlroy’s expectations for the upcoming tournament reflect his experience at Oakmont. He noted that the conditions were somewhat less formidable during his recent practice round. “This morning it was a little softer,” he explained, suggesting that the pin placements would be more forgiving than the notoriously steep slopes the course is known for. “If you put it in the fairway, it’s certainly playable,” he added, emphasizing the importance of strategic shot placements to avoid the daunting challenges Oakmont presents.
Despite his confidence in managing the course, McIlroy is coming off a string of performances that have raised concerns. He finished tied for 47th at the PGA Championship and missed the cut at the RBC Canadian Open the week before. This underwhelming form follows a period of scrutiny when his driver was deemed non-conforming, adding unnecessary pressure. In the lead-up to the U.S. Open, McIlroy expressed hope that these recent struggles are behind him. “I feel like I’m in a better place with everything going into this week,” he asserted, indicating a sense of renewed focus and optimism.
Rory McIlroy tees off on the tenth hole during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club.
In a candid moment, McIlroy acknowledged the emotional toll of his golf journey. Having completed the career Grand Slam, he finds it challenging to stay motivated amidst the pressures of high expectations. “It was nice to sort of see the fruits of my labor come to fruition,” he reflected, hinting at the extensive work put into his game over the past year. Yet, he emphasized the importance of enjoying both past achievements and upcoming challenges. “At some point, you have to realize that there’s a little bit more golf left to play this season,” McIlroy remarked, pointing to significant events like the British Open and the Ryder Cup on the horizon.
