Rory McIlroy’s Perfect US Open Start: Could This Be the End of His Major Drought?

Rory McIlroy’s Perfect US Open Start: Could This Be the End of His Major Drought?

Rory McIlroy has made a stunning start in his quest for a long-awaited fifth major title with a flawless opening round of 65 at the 124th US Open held at Pinehurst. Two days after reconciling with his wife Erica and dismissing a divorce petition he filed last month, McIlroy’s performance was a beacon of excellence as he topped the leaderboard alongside Patrick Cantlay at five under par.

McIlroy’s remarkable round saw him outshine his playing partners, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and US PGA winner Xander Schauffele, who could only manage scores of 71 and 70, respectively. McIlroy’s bogey-free round included birdies on the 4th, 5th, 10th, 16th, and 18th holes, matching his lowest opening score in the US Open.

Reflecting on his performance, McIlroy said, “I went through a run where my starts at major championships weren’t very good. Probably got myself a little too worked up at the start of the week. But back to the (US) PGA I opened with a five-under there at Valhalla. Even going all the way back to this tournament last year, I opened with a low one. It wasn’t quite as low as Rickie (Fowler) and Xander, but it was nice to open up with a low one and feel like you’re right in the tournament from the first day.”

McIlroy attributed his strong start to a solid short game and controlled play, “My short game was good early on. I chipped in at five and had a really good up and down on six and on eight. But apart from that, I think I hit every other green. It was a really controlled round of golf.”

Patrick Cantlay, who had an early start, also carded a 65, featuring six birdies, to share the lead with McIlroy. Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg was a shot off the pace with a 66 in his US Open debut. Aberg, only 24 years old and a recent professional, has already made a name for himself with victories on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour and an impressive Ryder Cup performance.

Aberg’s round was marked by disciplined play, “It was a very nice round of golf. Not a lot to complain about. I felt like those times where I kind of got myself out of position a little bit, you just try to get back into play as easy as you can, give yourself a chance for a par. I think staying very disciplined is important. There’s a lot of pins you don’t really think about going for.”

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods struggled, posting a 74 after predicting a “war of attrition.” Woods, who made a record 24th consecutive cut at the Masters before a disappointing third round of 82, needed an invite from the USGA to compete at Pinehurst after his exemption from winning the 2019 Masters expired.

Woods commented on his physical condition, “I’m physically getting better as the year has gone on. I just haven’t been able to play as much because I just don’t want to hurt myself pre, then I won’t be able to play in the major championships. It’s pick your poison, right? Play a lot with the potential of not playing, or not playing and fight being not as sharp.”

Bryson DeChambeau and France’s Matthieu Pavon were two shots off the lead at three under par, with Pavon becoming the first player to make multiple eagles in a US Open round at Pinehurst. England’s Robert Rock, who retired from professional golf in October 2022 but came through final qualifying at 47, carded a level-par 70 with two birdies and two bogeys.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on McIlroy to see if he can maintain his form and end his major drought, bringing dreams of victory back to his ardent supporters.