Observes: Rory McIlroy Performs Club Launch Before Destroying Tee Marker
Flickering Form at the 2025 U.S. Open
Rory McIlroy, the 2025 Masters Champion, managed to make the seven-over-par cut line at the U.S. Open, but his game on the Oakmont Country Club course was evidently off. At six-over-par, nine shots behind leader Sam Burns, he battled back from two double bogeys early in his round.
His fight was on display on the back nine, but trouble started at the drivable par 4 17th hole. A errant tee shot landed him in a greenside bunker, a situation that left him fuming as he smashed the tee marker. Despite the outburst, McIlroy salvaged a par, then sunk a birdie at the 18th, demonstrating his renowned mental toughness.
Frustration bubbled over on the 12th hole as well, when McIlroy tossed a club in anger after a wayward shot ended up in the rough. Defying expectations, he still managed a par, a testament to his resilience on the course.
Angry Episodes at the U.S. Open
Since his grand slam victory at Augusta, McIlroy has wrestled with inconsistency. His most recent appearances were lackluster, missing the cut at the RBC Canadian Open and ending the PGA Championship in T47th. A hoped-for boost was not forthcoming.
The 2025 U.S. Open has not been an easy ride for McIlroy. His emotional struggles were apparent, most notably when he slammed a tee marker and discarded a club in anger. Despite the setbacks, he managed to bounce back over the weekend, scoring a 3-under 67 in the final round and tying the best score of the day.
Currently third in the PGA Tour for Strokes Gained: Total and second in Scoring Average, McIlroy is well-positioned to vie for a second U.S. Open title. Let's hope he can find the form he needs on the greens in the coming days.
Stay Golf Monthly for Updates
Stay informed about the latest golf tour news, equipment updates, reviews, and more by subscribing to the Golf Monthly newsletter. Don't miss out on the insider's perspective from our team of Golf Monthly experts.
McIlroy, often laconic with the media, declined to speak after the second round. As the tournament progresses, we'll keep you posted on the ups and downs of this complex caddie-player relationship.
McIlroy's emotional outburst at the 2025 U.S. Open was evident on the 12th hole, where he tossed a club in frustration after a wayward shot. Despite these occasional lapses, he remains a formidable contender in golf, currently third in the PGA Tour for Strokes Gained: Total and second in Scoring Average.
