Rory McIlroy was in good spirits during his opening round of the US Open at Oakmont, despite concerns being raised over his behaviour and body language ahead of the tournament
OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 12: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the 11th green during the first round of the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 12, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)(Image: Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy has seemed unfazed by his game at the US Open and doubled down on his approach after a nightmare first round – despite whispers that his recent conduct has been “not normal.”
The golfing ace turned up at the Oakmont for his first round on the back of a shocking score from a disastrous practice session. Fans were left with no doubts about his form after clips went viral, while Tiger Woods’ remarks on the ‘horrible’ conditions were music to McIlroy’s ears.
On Thursday morning, McIlroy kicked off his quest for US Open triumph – a title he hasn’t clinched since 2011 – at Oakmont, where it’s claimed the course is tougher than ever. The Northern Irishman is riding high from his Masters victory, which etched his name in history as the sixth golfer to complete the career Grand Slam.
Yet, McIlroy’s run-up to the 125th US Open has been less than stellar. He failed to make the cut at the Canadian Open last week and had a lacklustre showing at the PGA Championship, where Scottie Scheffler emerged victorious.
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Both outings were plagued by problems with his driver. On Monday, McIlroy, who is keen to leave his Masters success behind him, disclosed that he carded an 11-over par in a practice round, while former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley suggested his recent behaviour didn’t match up with his typical demeanour.
“I’m no psychologist, but it looks like the air has been sucked out of him a little since that, not just in the way he’s played but in his press conferences,” observed McGinley on Golf Channel’s ‘Live From’ programme. “It’s very un-Rory-like in his press conferences to have such low energy.
“There will be a reset at some stage, and it doesn’t look like it’ll come this week. His team are saying he’s playing okay. But this is not normal Rory. This is not when he’s at his best, in my opinion.
“I think he’s at his best when he’s p***** off and he’s out to prove something following off a big loss or something that went wrong.”
McIlroy spoke to the media ahead of his practice round – but not after his first round(Image: Getty Images)
Defying McGinley’s analysis, McIlroy made an immediate impact, starting with a par at his opening hole, the 10th, followed swiftly by birdies on the 11th and 12th, catapulting him towards the top of the leaderboard. Any concerns about his demeanour were quickly dismissed early in the game on the daunting Oakmont course.
McIlroy was seen sharing jokes with Shane Lowry and his caddie Harry Diamond, walking the green with a spring in his step, oozing confidence as he strode along with his chest puffed and arms swinging energetically.
The only moment of frustration came when he narrowly missed out on a 40-foot eagle chance on the par five 12th. The five-time major winner read the putt well but misjudged the extent of the break expected.
Holding his putter in both hands, McIlroy looked skyward in a fleeting moment of frustration. However, it wasn’t the missed shot that irked him, but rather the position of his birdie attempt which wasn’t as close as he’d hoped.
But things ended badly for McIlroy on the opening day, leaving him FOUR OVER and joint 62nd on the leaderboard ahead of the second day.
McIlroy was subsequently a no-show with the media once again, the fifth consecutive round at a major after his PGA Championship absences.
