Xander Schauffele: Rory McIlroy in ‘tough spot’ after US Open heartbreak due to intense microscope | Golf News

Xander Schauffele: Rory McIlroy in ‘tough spot’ after US Open heartbreak due to intense microscope | Golf News


As someone who has held the unofficial title of ‘best player yet to win a major’, Xander Schauffele can empathise with Rory McIlroy’s decision not to compete at this week’s Travelers Championship.

On the heels of missing a pair of short putts over the final three holes on Sunday to finish second by a stroke to Bryson DeChambeau at the US Open, McIlroy left Pinehurst No 2 without speaking to reporters and announced the following day that he will not play again until next month’s Scottish Open.

McIlroy’s decade-long major drought will endure at least until at The Open Championship in July. Meanwhile, Schauffele is still riding the high of his first major title triumph at last month’s PGA Championship.

Until surviving DeChambeau by a stroke at Valhalla Golf Club, Schauffele had a reputation for struggling to close on final-round leads.

The story of McIlroy’s dramatic final round which descended into heartbreak with three bogeys in his last four holes

“As a competitor, all of us have had our highs and lows to a certain degree. It’s a tough spot,” Schauffele said when asked Tuesday how much empathy he has for McIlroy’s current situation.

“I’m sure him and his team are discussing what happened and sometimes you just need to step away from it all and really try and be as objective as possible, because you’re very much in the moment there and it obviously didn’t go his way.

“He needs some time away to figure out what’s going on.”

Highlights from a thrilling final round of the US Open at Pinehurst No 2

McIlroy has been criticised for bolting Pinehurst and returning home without speaking with reporters after Sunday’s final round. He issued a statement on Monday congratulating DeChambeau and announcing that he will be taking a break from golf for a few weeks.

The Northern Irishman acknowledged that it was “probably the toughest” day of his professional career, but vowed to show resilience when he returns for the Scottish Open followed by The Open at Royal Troon.

Paul McGinley believes McIlroy’s drought in golf’s major tournaments is due to ‘not taking initiative’ but Brandel Chamblee thinks it’s because his swing isn’t as good as it used to be

“It’s different for everyone. It’s hard to for me to compare my losses to his losses,” Schauffele said. “I would say his, he’s under a bit more of a microscope. When things are going really well people are all over him, and unfortunately when things don’t go your way people are all over him.

“So, there’s a microscope on him on why he didn’t win and things of that nature and he’s going to have to answer those questions at some point and he will, because he always does. So, for me, I wear them pretty hard, but sometimes it’s nice to just get back on the horse and compete.”

Nick Faldo and Wayne Riley were baffled by some of the decisions McIlroy was making towards the end of his final round of the US Open, which he lost by one shot to DeChambeau

Schauffele is coming off a T7 at the US Open, the seventh top 10 in the last eight individual starts for the world’s No 3-ranked player entering the final signature event of the year.

Schauffele also secured one of the four spots on Team USA for the Paris Olympics, where he will defend his gold medal come August.

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“It’s super special,” he said. “It’s always an honour to represent your country in any given tournament or event, so it was a really cool thing I was able to share with my family after winning the gold medal, and qualifying was my first goal this year. It’s a very hard team to qualify for, as you guys have seen on this US side.

“That was a really big goal of mine to get back and really looking forward to competing again.”

Watch Xander Schauffele at this week’s Travelers Championship, which you can watch live on Sky Sports Golf from Thursday at 5pm. Stream the PGA Tour, majors and more with NOW.

Rory McIlroy to ‘take a few weeks away’ from golf after US Open collapse which he describes as his ‘toughest day as a professional’ | Golf News

Rory McIlroy to ‘take a few weeks away’ from golf after US Open collapse which he describes as his ‘toughest day as a professional’ | Golf News


Rory McIlroy has commented for the first time since his US Open final-round heartbreak, tweeting he will take a few weeks away from the game after his ‘toughest day as a professional golfer’.

McIlroy bogeyed three of his final four holes at Pinehurst No 2 on Sunday as he finished second at a major for the fourth time since winning the PGA Championship in 2014.

Having led by two shots at one point, McIlroy missed two par putts from inside four feet over the closing stretch as Bryson DeChambeau ultimately claimed the title by one stroke.

McIlroy posted on X on Monday evening: “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.

“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now. I think we can all agree on that.

A look back at the big misses that cost McIlroy a first major in 10 years on a dramatic final day of the US Open

“As I reflect on my week, I’ll rue a few things over the course of the tournament, mostly the 2 missed putts on 16 and 18 on the final day. But, as I always try to do, I’ll look at the positives of the week that far outweigh the negatives.

“As I said at the start of the tournament, I feel closer to winning my next major championship than I ever have.

“The one word that I would describe my career as is resilient. I’ve shown my resilience over and over again in the last 17 years and I will again.

Paul McGinley believes McIlroy’s drought in golf’s major tournaments is due to ‘not taking initiative’ but Brandel Chamblee thinks it’s because his swing isn’t as good as it used to be

“I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defence of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon. See you in Scotland.”

The former world No 1 now has 21 top-10s in majors since his 2014 victory at Valhalla, which is more than any other player in that period.

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US Open 2024: How Rory McIlroy will be haunted by losing out to Bryson DeChambeau at Pinehurst No 2 | Golf News

US Open 2024: How Rory McIlroy will be haunted by losing out to Bryson DeChambeau at Pinehurst No 2 | Golf News


Sir Nick Faldo fears that Rory McIlroy’s US Open heartbreak could haunt him for the rest of his career after blowing a glorious opportunity to claim an elusive fifth major title.

McIlroy was in prime position to end his decade-long major drought when he charged up the leaderboard on the final day at Pinehurst No 2, with four birdies in a five-hole stretch taking him two clear of overnight leader Bryson DeChambeau with five holes to play.

The Northern Irishman missed at putt from inside three feet at the par-three 15th, having converted all 496 previous efforts from that distance this season, although remained still held a share of the lead heading to the par-four last despite also bogeying the 16th.

A look back at the big misses that cost Rory McIlroy a first major in 10 years on a dramatic final day of the US Open.

McIlroy then missed another putt from less than four feet at the 18th to fall back to five under, as DeChambeau produced a stunning 55-yard bunker shot to set up a close-range par and claim a remarkable one-shot victory.

The former world No 1 declined the speak to the media after his second successive US Open runner-up finish, leaving the course within minutes of DeChambeau’s win, while Faldo – commentating for Sky Sports – said: “That’s going to haunt Rory for the rest of his life, those two misses.

The story of Rory McIlroy’s dramatic final round which descended into heartbreak with three bogeys in his last four holes.

“It was an unbelievable finish. That was a four all fours to finish from Bryson and the celebration of all celebrations! Rory will be broken-hearted, so I feel for him. He’s going to be gutted, absolutely gutted.”

How ‘disappointment’ could hurt McIlroy

McIlroy has now posted six consecutive top-10 finishes in the US Open without winning and had 21 major top-10s since his 2014 PGA Championship success, with Dame Laura Davies – a four-time major champion – questioning the impact his latest near-miss could have.

“It was one of the all-time great up-and-downs from DeChambeau to win a major championship, but it’s a bitter disappointment for Rory,” Davies said. “He [McIlroy] had it in the bag.

“It wasn’t bad golf, he missed a few putts – and that will be a bitter pill for him to swallow. He probably hit the wrong club into 15, that started the problems. The miss at 16 was inexplicable, then the one at 18 I don’t think was necessarily a bad putt.

Rory McIlroy lost his US Open lead when he missed another close-range putt for par on the 72nd hole

“It shows just how hard it is to win a golf tournament, let alone the US Open – probably the hardest test they’ve had for many a year. Sometimes it just doesn’t go your way at the end. Will it hurt him? It really could do. It’s such a disappointing loss.

“He’ll be remembered for the two putts, but he played some unbelievable golf to get to four under at one stage. He can take heart from the fact he put himself into position again. He will win one, we know he will at some point, but this will be hard for him to take.”

Highlights from the final round of the US Open at Pinehurst No 2, where Bryson DeChambeau claimed a dramatic victory.

Radar: Fifth major ‘slipped through the fingers’

McIlroy came into the final day three of the lead and mixed five birdies with four bogeys during his final-round 69, which contained several impressive up and downs to save par before his string of dropped shots over the closing stretch.

“He [McIlroy] just wasn’t up to it today,” Sky Sports’ Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley said. “He missed two short putts and you should be holing them. There was nothing wrong the greens – they are very fast, but it surprises everyone that he missed those.

Image:
Rory McIlroy’s wait for a fifth major title continues after another runner-up finish at the US Open

“He has been there and done it before, won all sorts of championships, but today I thought he would get over the line. That was sad to watch. This is just one of those ones where it’s going to hurt.

“McIlroy has been in some situations before – he has been upset before and bounced straight back. He’s a tough cookie and you don’t get to where you are, the best golfer on the planet for however long, but major No 5 was there and it slipped through his fingers.

“We thought Rory was going to win it but it wasn’t to be… and let’s face it, Bryson, the whole week has been the star of the show here. He’s been so popular, box-office at times and a worthy champion. I was expecting a play-off but it wasn’t to be and Bryson won.

DeChambeau: McIlroy will be fuelled by major failure

DeChambeau becomes the first player to win multiple US Open titles since fellow LIV Golf League member Brooks Koepka defended the trophy in 2018, although has backed McIlroy to bounce back and add to his major tally.

“He [McIlroy] is one of the best to ever play,” DeChambeau said in his post-round press conference. “Being able to fight against a great like that is pretty special. For him to miss that putt, I’d never wish it on anybody. It just happened to play out that way.

Bryson DeChambeau reflects on a dramatic US Open victory and the journey he has been on – both on and off the course – to earn a second major title.

“He’ll win multiple more major championships. There’s no doubt. I think that fire in him is going to continue to grow. I have nothing but respect for how he plays the game of golf.

“I’m sure it will fuel Rory’s fire even more. He’s a strong-minded individual. Rory is going to do it. I’d love to have a lot more battles with him. It would be a lot of fun.”


Live PGA Tour Golf


Thursday 20th June 5:00pm


What’s next for McIlroy?

McIlroy is due to make an immediate return to action at the Travelers Championship, the latest of the PGA Tour’s Signature Events and live from Thursday on Sky Sports, before taking two weeks off ahead of his Genesis Scottish Open title defence.

The 35-year-old then stay in Scotland for The Open at Royal Troon from July 18-21, where McIlroy will look to avoid taking his major drought into an 11 season. Stream the PGA Tour, majors and more with NOW.

US Open 2024: Rory McIlroy says he has ‘great chance’ of chasing down Bryson DeChambeau on final day at Pinehurst | Golf News

US Open 2024: Rory McIlroy says he has ‘great chance’ of chasing down Bryson DeChambeau on final day at Pinehurst | Golf News


Rory McIlroy says he’s got “a great chance” going into the final round of the US Open at Pinehurst, despite sitting three strokes behind overnight leader Bryson DeChambeau.

McIlroy remains without a major win since claiming a fourth with his 2014 PGA Championship victory, the world No 3 posting 20 top-10 finishes at major championships since.

Five have those have come in the last five years at the US Open, including when coming second to Wyndham Clark last year.


Live US Open Golf


Sunday 16th June 2:00pm


“I love the test that Pinehurst is presenting,” McIlroy told reporters after his one-under 69 on Saturday to sit four under for the week.

Highlights from the third round of the US Open at Pinehurst No 2.

“You’ve got to focus and concentrate on every single shot out there. It’s what a US Open should be like and it’s obviously great to be in the mix.

“As I said at the start of the week, it’s a style of golf that I’ve started to try and embrace over these last few years, and it’s the reason that my performances at the US Open have been much improved over the last half a decade.”

Rory McIlroy reflects on a solid one-under 69 in the third round of the US Open at Pinehurst No 2.

He added: “I feel like two shots, three shots, four shots, I’ve got a great chance going into tomorrow.

“The last few holes are playing very, very difficult.”

DeChambeau hopes to give fans ‘something special’

It’s a three-stroke lead that DeChambeau holds over McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay and Matthieu Pavon going into the final round after a stunning three-under 67 from the 2020 US Open champion on Saturday.

DeChambeau’s victory at Winged Foot four years ago came without crowds due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but he is proving a crowd favourite this week.

Bryson DeChambeau leads the US Open by three shots after shooting a three-under 67 in the third round at Pinehurst No 2.

“The crowd support has been fantastic,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s amazing. I can’t thank them enough – and I’ll continue to feed off of them.

“I gave it everything I had out there today.

“Tomorrow it’s about fairways and greens and let’s see if I can give them something special.”

Bryson DeChambeau has fun with the crowd at the US Open and jokingly asks them no to boo him after deciding against using his driver

DeChambeau added, when speaking to reporters: “It’s the same quote I’ve said all week: trying to have boring golf.

“Middle of the green never moves, so I am going to try and hit a lot of the greens, give myself some good looks on some holes and two-putt a lot.”

Bryson DeChambeau receives physio treatment in the woods as he battles for the lead on day three of the US Open.

The 30-year-old also played down any potential injury fears after he calling for the physio round the turn and even spotted receiving some treatment in the woods after playing the 10th hole.

“It was tougher to get through on a couple shots, but it’s okay,” DeChambeau said of the issue.

“I’ve had it for a long time now. It’s just something that popped up.”

Analysis: Can McIlroy ‘make some noise’ and trouble DeChambeau?

Sky Sports’ Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley: “Bryson has no weaknesses. The way he played today, this guy is a machine!”

“Off the tee he just obliterates the ball, his iron play is great, he chips well and he’s a great putter. He’s box office!

“Three shots in front, the way he is playing, I can’t see him losing… unless something spectacular happens and someone comes through the field.

Bryson DeChambeau leads the US Open by three shots after shooting a three-under 67 in the third round at Pinehurst No 2.

“It’s going to be tough for McIlroy.

“But you’ve got to look at the positives… he’s going to get out there in the second-last group tomorrow and has the chance to conduct the orchestra, make some birdies and make some noise.

“Maybe Bryson then starts to hear it. That’s what Rory will be thinking about tomorrow.”

Who will win the third men’s major of the year? Watch the US Open live on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the the final round begins on Sunday from 2pm on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the US Open and more with NOW.

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US Open 2024: Bryson DeChambeau takes big lead into final day with Rory McIlroy chasing at Pinehurst No 2 | Golf News

US Open 2024: Bryson DeChambeau takes big lead into final day with Rory McIlroy chasing at Pinehurst No 2 | Golf News


Bryson DeChambeau will take a commanding three-shot lead into the final round of the 124th US Open, with Rory McIlroy part of the chasing pack despite a frustrating finish at Pinehurst No 2.

DeChambeau overcame a hip issue and slow start to his third round to card three birdies in a five-hole stretch to pull clear of a congested leaderboard, with only a double-bogey late in his round preventing him from an even bigger advantage.

The world No 38 also recorded six birdies and one bogey during an eventful third-round 67, moving him to seven under and in pole position to win the event for a second time as he sits three clear of McIlroy, Matthieu Pavon and Patrick Cantlay.

Leaderboard after R3 (USA unless stated)

-7 Bryson DeChambeau; -4 Matthieu Pavon (Fra), Patrick Cantlay, Rory McIlroy (NIrl); -2 Hideki Matusyama (Jpn), Ludvig Åberg (Swe); -1 Tyrrell Hatton (Eng), Tony Finau

Selected others: E Collin Morikawa; +1 Xander Schauffele; +3 Brian Harman; +5 Wyndham Clark; +6 Brooks Koepka, Scottie Scheffler

Rory McIlroy reflects on a solid one-under 69 in the third round of the US Open at Pinehurst No 2

McIlroy remains in contention to claim an elusive fifth major despite two late bogeys in his 69, with Hideki Matsuyama and overnight leader Ludvig Åberg five back ahead of England’s Tyrrell Hatton and Tony Finau.

How DeChambeau took charge of Pinehurst test

Dechambeau started the day one adrift of the Swede and scrambled a par at the first to avoid falling further behind, only to then drop two behind when Åberg rolled in from 30 feet at the third and he missed from four feet to match the birdie.

Ludvig Åberg drained a huge putt on the par-four third hole

The 2020 US Open champion bounced back from bogeying the par-four fourth to get up and down from a greenside bunker to birdie the par-five fifth, then added another from 11 feet at the seventh to join Åberg one behind Pavon.

Frenchman Pavon – playing three groups ahead – carded a front-nine 32 to reach the turn one ahead but missed an opportunity to double his advantage at the par-five 10th, before a bogey at the next saw him slip into a four-way tie with Åberg, DeChambeau and Finau.

DeChambeau has fun with the crowd at the US Open and jokingly asks them not to boo him after deciding against using his driver

DeChambeau moved into the solo lead after matching Åberg’s birdie at the 10th, with the American then receiving treatment in the woods for a hip injury before making a 15-footer at the next to double his advantage.

As several of the chasing pack dropped shots over the back nine, DeChambeau recovered from burning a six-foot birdie look at the 13th – where Åberg made a triple-bogey – to pick up a shot at the next and get to eight under.

Åberg made a triple-bogey at the 13th to slip down the leaderboard

McIlroy had been three under for his round until bogeying both closing par-threes, dropping him back to four under alongside Pavon, leaving DeChambeau briefly four clear until he saw his ball roll back to his feet on his way to a double-bogey six at the 16th.

DeChambeau replied strongly as he birdied the par-three next and two-putted the last to stay three ahead, with the 30-year-old now hoping to go one better than last month’s runner-up finish at the PGA Championship and add to his major tally.

Image:
Bryson DeChambeau is looking to win the US Open for a second time

“I gave it everything I had out there today,” DeChambeau told Sky Sports. “The crowd support has been fantastic. It’s amazing. I can’t thank them enough – and I’ll continue to feed off of them. Tomorrow it’s about fairways and greens and let’s see if I can give them something special.”

Cantlay carded a third-round 70 to set up a Sunday showdown with McIlroy – who mixed four birdies with three bogeys – in the penultimate group, the first time the pair have been grouped together since their fiery encounter at last year’s Ryder Cup.


Live US Open Golf


Sunday 16th June 6:30pm


“I’m pretty much in the same position that I was last year going into the final day at LACC,” said McIlroy, who finished runner-up to Wyndham Clark in 2023. “So familiar position, been here many times before, and hopefully I produce the golf that’s needed to go one better.”

Only eight players remain under par for the tournament heading into the final day, with Collin Morikawa moving inside the top 10 following a round-of-the-day 66, while world No 1 Scottie Scheffler’s hopes ended after a 71 dropped him to six over.

Who will win the third men’s major of the year? Watch the US Open live on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the the final round begins on Sunday from 2pm on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the US Open and more with NOW.

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US Open 2024: Rory McIlroy in ‘great position’ to challenge for fifth major despite ‘frustrating’ second round | Golf News

US Open 2024: Rory McIlroy in ‘great position’ to challenge for fifth major despite ‘frustrating’ second round | Golf News


Rory McIlroy insists he is in a great position to end his decade-long major drought despite failing to build on his fast start to the US Open at Pinehurst No 2.

McIlroy grabbed a share of the early lead alongside Patrick Cantlay after carding five birdies an opening-round 65, then followed it up with a two-over 72 in tougher scoring conditions on Friday morning.

The Northern Irishman only carded one birdie and made three bogeys during his second round, dropping him back to three under, as world No 1 and playing partner Scottie Scheffler struggled to a four-over 74 to leave himself waiting to see whether he would make the cut.

Rory McIlroy made an incredible par save on the 17th hole at Pinehurst No 2 after initially de-greening his birdie putt.

McIlroy has won each of the previous three majors where he made a bogey-free start and has made top-10 finishes in his last five US Open finishes, with the 35-year-old firmly in contention once again heading into the weekend.

“Obviously, not quite as well as yesterday, but I feel like the golf course plays a little more difficult, even though we were off in the morning,” McIlroy said. “Some of the hole locations were definitely a little tougher and you sort of had to have your wits about you.

Image:
Rory McIlroy was playing alongside Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler over the first two days

“I putted it off one green there on 17. Overall, I felt like I did a pretty good job at keeping some of the mistakes off the scorecard. I wish I had converted a couple more of the chances. Hit the ball pretty well. I think I only missed one fairway, so I had plenty of opportunities.

“Yeah, wasn’t quite as good with the putter today. Still, overall in a great position going into the weekend.”

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, waves after making a putt on the 12th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament Friday, June 14, 2024, in Pinehurst, N.C. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Image:
Rory McIlroy is in contention to claim a first major victory since 2014

Mixed day for McIlroy at Pinehurst

McIlroy – beginning on the back nine – failed to take advantage of the par-five 10th, after missing his 12-foot birdie, then carded his first bogey of the week when his approach into the par-four next spun off the green and he was unable to get up and down.

The Northern Irishman ended a run of two-putt pars with a bogey at the par-three 15th, where his tee shot rolled off the putting surface, with McIlroy bouncing back from putting off the green at the par-three 17th to chip in for a miraculous par.

McIlroy came close from 10 feet at the first and then finally made his first birdie of the day at the third, then scrambled a par at the par-five fifth after watching his playing partners see balls roll back to their feet and both card double-bogeys.

“That back left hole location on five is pretty treacherous,” McIlroy said. “If you miss it left there at all, obviously you saw what Xander [Schauffele] and Scottie [Scheffler] did. After sealing their two attempts, I was pretty happy with mine just to get it over the other side of the green and get it up-and-down for five.”

Several of the world’s best players struggled at the par-five fifth hole at Pinehurst No 2 during the second round of the US Open.

McIlroy recovered from missing the sixth fairway to avoid bogeying the par-three and then two-putted his next two holes for par to stay within one, only to bogey the ninth – his final hole of the day – after finding the sand off the tee.

“I was two over pretty early,” McIlroy added. “My goal going into that second nine was if I could get it back to even for the day, I would have been pretty happy. Got that birdie on three, I was trying to claw one back there, then ultimately I gave one back again.


Live US Open Golf


Saturday 15th June 3:00pm


“With the way the golf course is and the way some of those hole locations are, I don’t see anyone running away with it.”

Faldo: Game of survival ahead of McIlroy

McIlroy said ahead of the tournament he wanted to become the most successful European player in history, with Sir Nick Faldo – who holds six majors – believing the world No 3 is capable this week of securing a fifth major victory.

“Rory has just got to find a way to slow this down,” Faldo told Sky Sports. “He drives the course beautifully and is a great thinker, but he knows the weekend will be tough. They [the USGA] wanted just in the red to win this, so he is right there.

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, applies sunscreen on the 14th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament Friday, June 14, 2024, in Pinehurst, N.C. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Image:
Rory McIlroy heads into the weekend on three under

“It is going to be a game of survival. Watch the others, it is highly unlikely someone is going to scream out there. You just don’t waste any shots – birdies are really tough to get, it is more defending, being smart, so you just avoid making too many bogeys.

“You have got to look at the other guys and go ‘do you know what, I have either got one name I have got to beat or I am good, I have just got to relax and play and I know I am that good’. He is physically fit as a fiddle, isn’t he, great shape. When he is on, he is the best in the world. He has just got to keep doing that as much as possible.”

Who will win the third men’s major of the year? Watch the US Open live on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the third round begins on Saturday from 3pm on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the US Open and more with NOW.

US Open 2024: Rory McIlroy shares first-round lead with Patrick Cantlay as Scottie Scheffler, Tiger Woods struggle | Golf News

US Open 2024: Rory McIlroy shares first-round lead with Patrick Cantlay as Scottie Scheffler, Tiger Woods struggle | Golf News


Rory McIlroy made a dream start to his bid to claim an elusive fifth major title by grabbing a share of the first-round lead at the 124th US Open.

McIlroy, chasing a first major victory since his 2014 PGA Championship success, carded five birdies in a bogey-free 65 at Pinehurst No 2 to match the early clubhouse target set by Patrick Cantlay.

The Northern Irishman said ahead of this week that he was “closer than ever” to ending a decade-long major drought, and McIlroy – who has already claimed three worldwide victories this season – backed it up with his first blemish-free start to a US Open since his wire-to-wire win in 2011.

US Open: Leaderboard after R1 (USA unless stated)

-5 Patrick Cantlay, Rory McIlroy (NIrl); -4 Ludvig Åberg (Swe); -3 Bryson DeChambeau, Matthieu Pavon (Fra)

Selected others: -2 Tyrrell Hatton (Eng); E Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele; +4 Tiger Woods; +7 Justin Thomas; +8 Viktor Hovland (Nor)

McIlroy shot an impressive five-under-par 65 to tie the clubhouse lead at Pinehurst No 2 in the US Open

Cantlay birdied three of his last five holes to also get to five under, with debutant Ludvig Åberg a shot back in third ahead of 2020 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and Frenchman Matthieu Pavon.

McIlroy was playing alongside PGA Championship winner Xander Schauffele and world No 1 Scottie Scheffler, who carded rounds of 70 and 71 respectively, while defending champion Wyndham Clark struggled to a three-over 73 and Tiger Woods fell nine behind with an opening-round 74.

Tiger Woods shot a disappointing four-over-par 74 in the first round of the US Open at Pinehurst No 2

How McIlroy made early major move

McIlroy opened with three straight pars and followed a seven-foot birdie at the fourth by chipping in for another at the par-five next, with the 35-year-old reaching the turn in 33 and then taking advantage of the par-five 10th.

The former world No 1 ended a run of two-putt pars by converting a 10-foot birdie at the par-four 16th, before a 20-foot birdie at the last saw him complete his first bogey-free start to a major since his 2014 victory at The Open.

McIlroy birdied the final hole at Pinehurst No 2 to tie the lead with Patrick Cantlay

Cantlay mixed six birdies with a lone bogey during an impressive start, while DeChambeau – who impressed off the tee during the opening day – threatened a late push for the lead when he carded a first-nine 33 and added further birdies at the third and fifth.

The American missed from eight feet to save par at the seventh, though, and slipped back to three under alongside Pavon, who held a two-shot lead earlier in the day following two eagles in the space of six holes.

Bryson DeChambeau chipped in on the par-four 18th hole to reach the turn in 33 in the US Open at Pinehurst No 2

England’s Tyrrell Hatton and Tony Finau started with 68s and Sergio Garcia took advantage of a late entry into the event to post a bogey-free 69, while Collin Morikawa recorded a birdie-birdie finish to salvage a level-par 70 to sit five back alongside Schauffele and five-time major winner Brooks Koepka.

Schauffele – chasing back-to-back major victories after last month’s win at Valhalla – mixed four birdies with as many bogeys during an erratic open day, as Scheffler struggled off the tee and fell six behind in his bid for a sixth PGA Tour title in nine starts.


Live US Open Golf


Friday 14th June 12:30pm


Open champion Brian Harman started with a one-over 71 and Clark made just one birdie in his title defence, carding four bogeys along the way, as Woods cited a lack of sharpness and a poor display on the greens after being unable to build on his strong start.

Woods held a share of the lead lead after playing the first six holes in one under but then slipped back with five bogeys in a seven-hole stretch, although he was later seen on the range offering support to Justin Thomas after the two-time major champion slumped to a seven-over 77.

Woods started his US Open campaign with a birdie on his first hole, the par-five 10th at Pinehurst No 2

McIlroy leads after ‘controlled start’

McIlroy, who started with a bogey-free round in three of his four major wins, said: “I went through a run there for a while where my starts at major championships weren’t very good. Probably got myself a little too worked up at the start of the week.

“But back to the PGA (Championship) I opened with a five under there at Valhalla. Even going all the way back to this tournament last year, I opened with a low one. It wasn’t quite as low as Rickie (Fowler) and Xander (Schauffele), but it was nice to open up with a low one and feel like you’re right in the tournament from the first day.

McIlroy claims staying patient and disciplined throughout his first round at Pinehurst No 2 was the key to shooting a five-under-par 65

“Certainly the major championships that I’ve won or the ones that I’ve played well at, I’ve always seemed to get off to a good start, and it’s nice to get off to another one.

“My short game was good early on. I chipped in at five and had a really good up and down on six and on eight. But apart from that, I think I hit every other green. It was a really controlled round of golf.”

Who will win the third men’s major of the year? Watch the US Open live on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the second round begins on Friday from 12.30pm on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the US Open and more with NOW.

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Rory McIlroy ‘resolves differences’ with wife Erica and ends divorce proceedings | Golf News

Rory McIlroy ‘resolves differences’ with wife Erica and ends divorce proceedings | Golf News



Rory McIlroy has reconciled with his wife Erica and voluntarily dismissed the
divorce petition he filed in a Florida court last month.

McIlroy filed for divorce on May 13, the day after winning the Wells Fargo Championship for the fourth time and just three days before the start of the US PGA Championship.

However, court records in Palm Beach County in Florida show that a “notice of voluntary dismissal” was filed on Tuesday and the case status is listed as “closed”.

Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley looks back at Rory McIlroy’s win at Valhalla in 2014 at the PGA Championship, his last major triumph

The four-time major winner told the Guardian: “There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumour is a fool’s game.

“Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”

McIlroy met Erica in 2012 when she was working for the PGA of America at the Ryder Cup and McIlroy credited her with helping him get a police escort to the course after misreading his tee time for the Sunday singles.

After making it to the course with just minutes to spare, McIlroy went on to beat Keegan Bradley as Europe pulled off the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ by recovering from 10-6 behind to retain the trophy.

The men’s major season continues this month at the US Open, live on Sky Sports. Can anyone stop Scottie Scheffler from victory at Pinehurst?

He and Erica married in 2017 and have one child together, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, who was born in 2020.

McIlroy declined to make any comment on the situation during the US PGA Championship at Valhalla, where he finished 12th, but looked noticeably more relaxed in his press conference at Pinehurst ahead of the US Open, which begins on Thursday live on Sky Sports.

The world No 3 will play alongside Masters champion Scottie Scheffler and US PGA winner Xander Schauffele in the first two rounds of the year’s third major.

Who will win the third men’s major of the year? Watch the US Open live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins on Thursday from 12.30pm on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the US Open and more with NOW.

US Open 2024: Rory McIlroy insists he is ‘closer than ever’ to elusive fifth major victory at Pinehurst No 2 | Golf News

US Open 2024: Rory McIlroy insists he is ‘closer than ever’ to elusive fifth major victory at Pinehurst No 2 | Golf News


Rory McIlroy insists he is “closer than ever” to ending his decade-long drought for an elusive fifth major title this week in the US Open at Pinehurst No 2.

McIlroy has won three times this year, defending his Hero Dubai Desert Classic title on the DP World Tour before back-to-back PGA Tour victories at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Wells Fargo Championship, although remains without a major since his 2014 PGA Championship success.

The world No 3 has posted 20 top-ten finishes in majors since that one-shot victory at Valhalla, more than any other player during the same period, with McIlroy remaining confident of ending that run and adding to his major tally.

Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley looks back at Rory McIlroy’s win at Valhalla in 2014 at the PGA Championship, his last major triumph.

“I’ve always said I still feel like being the most successful European in the game is within my reach,” McIlroy said in his pre-tournament press conference. “I’ve got obviously Seve [Ballesteros] and Sir Nick Faldo to pass there in terms of major wins.

“I’m really proud of my body of work over the past 15 years and everything that I have achieved, whether it be season-long titles or individual tournaments or majors.

“Obviously getting my hands on a fifth major has taken quite a while, but I’m more confident than ever that I’m right there, that I’m as close as I’ve ever been.”

The men’s major season continues this month at the US Open, live on Sky Sports. Can anyone stop Scottie Scheffler from victory at Pinehurst?

McIlroy has enjoyed considerable success on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, winning the FedExCup three times and ending top of the Race to Dubai standings on five occasions, although the 35-year-old is reluctant to set a target for a number of major victories he wants to reach.

“I wouldn’t say I have a particular number of wins [as a target],” McIlroy added. “I think the only thing about trying to pick a number is that you’re setting yourself up for failure or disappointment.


Live US Open Golf


Thursday 13th June 12:30pm


“Tiger [Woods] wanted to surpass Jack [Nicklaus]. It looks like he might not get there, but are we going to call Tiger’s career a failure? Absolutely not. It’s arguably the best. He’s played the best golf anyone’s ever seen.

“There’s always going to be that tinge of what could have been. I don’t want to do that to myself. If someone would have told me at 20 years old I’d be sitting here at 35 and this is the career I’ve had, I would not have believed them and I would have been ecstatic.

Rory McIlroy waves after putting on the first green during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Image:
Rory McIlroy finished tied-15th at the Memorial Tournament on Sunday

“I still have a good little bit of time here, hopefully for the next 10 years. I still like to think I’ve got a good run ahead of me. Whatever those numbers are, whatever the totals add up to, I’ll accept that and feel like I’ve done pretty well for a little boy from Northern Ireland that dreamed of playing golf for a living one day.”

How ’embracing patience’ has helped McIlroy

McIlroy claimed his breakthrough major victory in the 2011 contest, having squandered a four-shot lead during the final round of The Masters earlier that year, then managed just one top-10 in his following seven US Open appearances.

The 35-year-old has finished no worse than ninth in his last five US Open starts, including a runner-up finish to Wyndham Clark last year, with McIlroy now taking a different mindset to how he approaches the events.

A look back at frustrating final round for Rory McIlroy at last year’s US Open, where he finished a shot behind Wyndham Clark

“I’ve been on a pretty good run of US Open performances over the last few years,” McIlroy explained. “Obviously had a close call at LACC [Los Angeles Country Club] last year, obviously Wyndham [Clark] just pipping me to the post there.

“I feel like I really struggled at US Open setups, 2016, ’17, ’18 in particular. I sort of had a bit of a, I guess, come-to-Jesus moment after that, tried to really figure out why that was, then my performances from 2019 and after that have been really, really good.”

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, tees off on the fourth hole during the final round of the Canadian Open golf tournament in Hamilton, Ontario, Sunday, June 2, 2024. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)
Image:
Rory McIlroy has been grouped alongside Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele for the first two rounds at the US Open

“On what has caused the switch in results, McIlroy added: “I would say embracing the difficult conditions, embracing the style of golf needed to contend at a US Open, embracing patience. Honestly, embracing what I would have called “boring” back in the day.

“Explosiveness isn’t going to win a US Open. It’s more methodically building your score over the course of four days and being okay with that. Honestly, it’s just more of a reframing of a mindset than anything else.”

Who will win the third men’s major of the year? Watch the US Open live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins on Thursday from 12.30pm on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the US Open and more with NOW.

US Open tee times: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele grouped together at Pinehurst No 2 | Golf News

US Open tee times: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele grouped together at Pinehurst No 2 | Golf News


Rory McIlroy has been grouped alongside world No 1 Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele – the two players above him at the top of the world rankings – for the first two rounds of the 124th US Open.

McIlroy, who won the 2011 US Open and is searching for his first major victory since 2014, has been given a late-early draw as he tees off at 1.14pm local time (6.14pm BST) on Thursday at Pinehurst No 2.

The Northern Irishman plays alongside Schauffele, who claimed a maiden major title in the PGA Championship last month and has finished no worse than 14th in his previous seven US Opens, with pre-tournament favourite Scheffler completing the star-studded threeball for the first two days.

Image:
Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy will play alongside Xander Schauffele for the first two rounds of the US Open

Scheffler claimed a one-shot success at the Memorial Tournament on Sunday, his fifth PGA Tour victory in his last eight starts, with the 27-year-old now looking to add to his two wins at The Masters and claim a third major title in as many years.

Wyndham Clark also begins his title defence in the afternoon wave alongside Open champion Brian Harman and reigning US Amateur champion Nick Dunlap, while Tiger Woods is out in the morning wave with Will Zalatoris and 2022 winner Matt Fitzpatrick.

Three-time US Open champion Woods has been given a special exemption by the USGA to tee it up this week, having failed to qualify for the first time in his professional career, with the 48-year-old starting on the 10th tee at 7.29am local time (12.29pm BST).

Last week’s Memorial Tournament runner-up Collin Morikawa tees it up with fellow former major champions Justin Thomas and Brooks Koepka – a five-time major champion, while 2020 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau features alongside Viktor Hovland and Max Homa.

Highlights from the final day of The Memorial Tournament, where Scheffler edged Collin Morikawa

Two-time major champion Jon Rahm – currently battling a foot injury – is scheduled to be one of 13 players from the LIV Golf League in action this week, with the Spaniard set to partner former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and three-time major winner Jordan Spieth.

Thursday’s key tee times (BST)

*denotes starting at 10th hole

*1229 Will Zalatoris, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tiger Woods

1240 Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Brooks Koepka

As Brooks Koepka aims to win his third US Open title this week, check out his five previous major victories

*1251 Tony Finau, Ludvig Åberg, Dustin Johnson

1814 Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler

1825 Brian Harman, Nick Dunlap, Wyndham Clark

Watch the moment Wyndham Clark became a major winner with victory in the 2023 US Open at Los Angeles Country Club

*1825 Bryson DeChambeau, Viktor Hovland, Max Homa

1836 Hideki Matsuyama, Jon Rahm, Jordan Spieth

When is the US Open on Sky Sports?

Sky Sports continues to be the home of the US Open, with over 45 hours of live coverage of the four tournament days from June 13-16 and lots of extra tournament programming throughout the week.

Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, Rob Lee and Jamie Spence explain the difficult test that faces the players around the greens at the US Open

“Live from the US Open” will bring eight hours of build-up, interviews, analysis and practice action on Tuesday and Wednesday of tournament week, with coverage getting under way from 2pm each day, before round-the-clock coverage from each of the four tournament rounds.

Coverage from the first two rounds begins from 12.30pm on Thursday and Friday, with over 12 hours live from both days, with the action starting at 3pm on Saturday and 2pm on the final day.

Who will win the third men’s major of the year? Watch the US Open live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins on Thursday from 12.30pm on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, majors and more with NOW.

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