Rory McIlroy narrowly made the weekend cut at the 2025 US Open by a single shot after an intense and emotionally charged second round at Oakmont Golf Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The five-time major winner, pursuing his sixth major title and a second US Open crown, posted a six-over-par 146 after two rounds, sitting tied for 45th as the cut line fell at seven over par, but it was his visible frustration and behavior that dominated headlines.
McIlroy Faces Emotional Struggles and On-Course Frustration at Oakmont
McIlroy, who claimed a career Grand Slam with a Masters victory in April, began the tournament with a 74 in the opening round, putting him at a disadvantage heading into Friday’s play. Early in his second round, his challenges increased as two double bogeys on the first three holes placed him further behind. Although a birdie on the ninth provided some relief and he managed a par on the 10th, McIlroy’s composure deteriorated soon after.
On the par-five 12th hole, after a strong tee shot, he found trouble with his second shot landing in thick rough. In frustration, McIlroy threw his club, a moment that quickly spread across social media and drew widespread attention. Despite this outburst, he gathered himself enough to make a birdie at 15, but another display of anger followed on the 17th hole when, after pulling his drive left, he struck a tee marker with his club on the tee box before recovering to save par.
Fan Criticism Mounts Over McIlroy’s Visible Tempers
The Northern Irish golfer’s on-course outbursts have sparked debate about sportsmanship and whether penalties should apply for such behavior. Some fans voiced their disapproval on social platforms and forums. One asked,
“Is there no penalty for on-course behaviour like this?”
—Fan
Others accused him of poor temperament, calling the display,
“a disgrace,”
—Fan
while some labeled him as
“a petulant brat when not playing well,”
—Fan
and admitted it was
“so hard to root for a guy who acts like this.”
—Fan
These reactions underscore the divided opinions surrounding McIlroy’s conduct, especially coming after months of criticism about his refusal to engage with media after rounds.
Grit and Determination Keep McIlroy in the Tournament
Despite his emotional turmoil, McIlroy demonstrated resilience when it mattered. Facing elimination, he delivered a vital birdie on the closing 18th hole, nudging his score to six over par and securing his passage to the weekend. His rollercoaster round ended dramatically but kept alive his ambitions at the US Open.
Following his emotional triumph at Augusta in April, McIlroy’s form has been uneven. He managed a tied-seventh finish at the Truist Championship but fell to T47 at the PGA Championship and missed the cut for the first time this season at the RBC Canadian Open. This inconsistency has added to the pressure on the Northern Irishman as he tackles his next challenges.
McIlroy Reflects on Mental Challenges After Major Victory
Earlier this week, McIlroy addressed the psychological hurdles following his career milestone. He said,
“It’s trying to have a little bit of amnesia and forget about what happened six weeks ago,”
—Rory McIlroy
Continuing, he added the importance of motivation,
“Then just trying to find the motivation to go back out there and work as hard as I’ve been working.”
—Rory McIlroy
McIlroy acknowledged the need to enjoy his achievements, yet remain focused on upcoming events like the Portrush Open and the Ryder Cup. He emphasized returning to the process that brought him success from October through April to regain consistency.
Weekend Play Offers Chance for Redemption and Focus
With two more rounds remaining at Oakmont, McIlroy still has a chance to recover ground and remind critics and fans alike why he remains among golf’s elite. His raw talent is undeniable, but his temperament under pressure has sparked mixed reactions. How he channels his emotions during the final rounds could determine whether he transforms this turbulent start into a story of resilience or further controversy.