
Rory McIlroy's Explosive Outburst Fuels Weekend Play at U.S. Open
2025-06-14
Author: Emily
Rory McIlroy Stays in the Hunt at Oakmont
OAKMONT, Pa. – Rory McIlroy is set to battle for glory this weekend at the U.S. Open, but not without leaving a mark—literally—on the course.
During an intense moment, McIlroy took out his frustration on a tee marker at the 17th hole, demolishing it with a powerful strike of his driver after an errant shot headed toward the greenside bunker. The damage was spectacular, reminiscent of a Bruce Lee move, as the marker shattered under the force.
Frustration and Triumph: A Rollercoaster Round
This wasn’t McIlroy’s only explosive moment on the course. After a disastrous hook into the rough on par-5 12th, he aggressively sent a long iron flying down the fairway. Despite the tension, the 36-year-old managed to save par on both holes and finished strong, landing a wedge shot just 5 feet from the hole on the par-4 18th. His consistent second round of 73 allowed him to make the cut by a slim margin at 6 over.
Statistics Tell a Tale of Resilience
Interestingly, McIlroy ranks in the top 10 for strokes gained off the tee, showcasing his driving skills despite recent challenges with a new driver. Though he struggles with his approach shots—losing nearly three-quarters of a stroke—he stands only nine shots back from the leader heading into Saturday. This gap could have been much narrower had he avoided three double bogeys across five critical holes.
A Grand Slam Champion Keeping a Low Profile
In stark contrast to his peers, Shane Lowry and Justin Rose—who faced tougher days, combining for a shocking 31 over—McIlroy maintains a steely focus. After completing his press conference earlier in the week, he has opted to keep a low profile, declining media interviews and swiftly exiting to the parking lot after his round.
With determination and a hint of frustration, McIlroy gears up for tomorrow's round, reminding fans and foes alike that the U.S. Open is far from over.