US Open: Mercurial McIlroy misses cut

Former world number one exits early at a major for first time since 2013


Afp June 20, 2016
Rory McIlroy reacts after putting on the eighth hole during the continuation of the second round of the US Open at Oakmont Country Club on June 18, 2016 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. PHOTO: AFP

OAKMONT: A shocking back-nine implosion sent Rory McIlroy reeling out of the US Open, with the world number three missing the cut at a major for the first time since the 2013 British Open.

The Northern Ireland star, who won the US Open in 2011, was charging early in the second round with four birdies in his first seven holes.

But his bid to bounce back from a seven-over opening effort stalled with a four-putt double-bogey at the par-four third.

That was followed by a bogey at the par-three sixth and finally, with his hopes of playing at the weekend in the balance, a double-bogey to cap his round at the ninth.

US Open: Golfers gear up for tricky Oakmont test

Teeing off on 10, McIlroy opened with a birdie and picked up shots at 12, 14 and 16.

The 17th may have been a harbinger of things to come. He drove the green of the par-four for a look at eagle, but three-putted for par.

At the third, two impressive shots left him 13 feet for birdie, but it was only after four putts that he staggered off the green.

A bogey at the sixth left him on the cut-line as he arrived at the ninth.

Golf: Woods’s pep talk aiding Day

McIlroy found a fairway bunker off the tee and needed two shots to get out of it.

It was a disappointing exit for the 27-year-old, who displayed solid form in posting his first victory of 2016 at the Irish Open in May.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20th, 2016.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ