Rory McIlroy Struggles at U.S. Open with 'Pretty Average' Performance

Rory McIlroy struggled at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont, finishing at 10-over with a 'pretty average' performance. He looks ahead to the Open Championship at Portrush as his next challenge.

McIlroy's Disappointing Run at Oakmont

Golf star Rory McIlroy faced a challenging performance at the 2025 U.S. Open held at Oakmont Country Club, finishing well out of contention. After three rounds, McIlroy found himself at 10-over par, a score that left him far from the leaderboard's top spots. His final scorecard reflected a total of +7 (287) over the tournament, with rounds of 74, 72, 74, and a stronger 67 in the final round, as reported on social media platforms like X.

McIlroy's own assessment of his play was candid and unenthusiastic. 'It's pretty average,' he remarked after his third round, signaling his frustration with the results at this major championship. This performance marked a stark contrast to his earlier successes in the year, including a career grand slam completion at Augusta National.

Looking Ahead After U.S. Open Setback

Despite the disappointing finish at Oakmont, where he tied for 19th place according to updates from Sky Sports, McIlroy is already shifting focus to future challenges. He expressed a desire to move on quickly from this event, stating, 'Hopefully a round in under four-and-a-half hours and get out of here,' when asked about his expectations for the final round. This sentiment underlines his readiness to leave the struggles of the U.S. Open behind.

McIlroy's next target appears to be the Open Championship at Portrush, which he referred to as his next 'mountain to climb.' This upcoming event offers a chance for redemption and a return to form for the Northern Irish golfer who has had an otherwise stellar season with multiple wins and top finishes. His resilience and past achievements suggest that this setback at Oakmont will be a temporary hurdle in an illustrious career.

Context of McIlroy's Season Performance

While the U.S. Open result was underwhelming, McIlroy's 2025 season has been marked by significant highs. Earlier in the year, he clinched victories at prestigious tournaments like The Players Championship and Pebble Beach, alongside completing his career grand slam at The Masters. Posts on X highlight his consistent top finishes, with no result outside the top 17 this season, showcasing his overall strength despite the Oakmont stumble.

The golfing community and fans remain intrigued by McIlroy's journey, especially given recent reports of a shift in his demeanor. Some media outlets have noted a certain frostiness or indifference in his interactions post-Masters win, though his focus on upcoming tournaments like Portrush indicates a determined mindset to reclaim his competitive edge.

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