Rory McIlroy currently leads the US Open driving distance after two rounds at Oakmont, Pennsylvania, showcasing impressive power with an average drive of 339.8 yards. Despite a challenging start to the tournament and missing the cut last week at the RBC Canadian Open, the four-time Major champion is demonstrating renewed form and competitiveness on the course.
McIlroy barely secured the cut on Friday by two strokes after a tough opening round and a rocky start to his second day, birdieing two of his last four holes. He trails the tournament leader Sam Burns by nine strokes heading into the weekend. His dominant driving performance stands out as a key highlight, aided by a switch back to the TaylorMade Qi10 driver after previously testing the Qi35 model in Canada.
McIlroy’s Equipment Shift Boosts Driving Distance
Following a difficult showing at TPC Toronto, McIlroy revealed in a pre-US Open press conference that he was not satisfied with his previous driver. This prompted him to experiment at home and settle on the TaylorMade Qi10 for Oakmont, a decision that has paid off handsomely. His driving distance average of 339.8 yards places him well clear of second-place Trevor Cone, who averages 328 yards.
During round two, McIlroy’s driving soared to an average of 348.1 yards, an outstanding 44.2 yards longer than the field average of 303.9 yards. This commanding distance advantage reflects both his technical adjustments and renewed confidence at the US Open.
Performance Metrics Beyond Distance
While McIlroy’s raw power off the tee is impressive, his overall effectiveness is evident in his strokes gained statistics as well. After the first 36 holes, he ranks 11th in Strokes Gained: Off the tee with a positive +1.56, having hit 15 of 28 fairways. His ability to combine length with accuracy keeps him in strong contention despite a deficit on the leaderboard.
Driving distance, while a valuable asset, does not alone determine success this week. Leader Sam Burns ranks 61st in driving distance with 308 yards, and runner-up JJ Spaun sits 81st at 303.2 yards. This disparity illustrates that precise ball striking and course management remain critical to scoring at Oakmont.
Comparisons to Other Big Hitters
Bryson DeChambeau, well known for his exceptional driving length at Majors, has been less dominant this week. The defending champion missed the cut after posting a 10-over-par for 36 holes and averaged 311.2 yards per drive, which trails McIlroy by 28.6 yards. His standing at T44th in driving distance underlines the competitive depth and challenging conditions at Oakmont.
The player with the shortest average drives is amateur Bryan Lee, who missed the cut with a score of +16. His average of 263.6 yards is 76.2 yards shorter than McIlroy’s, highlighting the range of driving distances experienced across the field.
Understanding the US Open Driving Distance Measurements
It is important to note that the US Open driving distance statistics are calculated based on drives from only two specific holes at Oakmont: the 7th and 15th. Each player’s average is derived solely from these two tee shots. These holes are chosen to run in different directions to balance wind and other conditions, but this method means the distance figures may not represent overall driving performance throughout the entire course.
Top 10 Drivers at the US Open After 36 Holes
1. Rory McIlroy – 339.8 yards
2. Trevor Cone – 328 yards
3. Chris Gotterup – 326.2 yards
4. Evan Beck (amateur) – 326 yards
5. Ben Griffin – 325.4 yards
6. Akshay Bhatia – 324.6 yards
7. Cameron Young – 324 yards
8. Nick Dunlap – 323.2 yards
9. Jon Rahm – 322.8 yards
10. Sam Stevens – 322.6 yards
This list reflects the strongest hitters currently driving the ball during the tournament, showcasing a mix of experienced professionals and promising amateurs.
Rory McIlroy’s command of the driving distance category at the US Open underlines a vital weapon in his game as he seeks to climb the leaderboard and contend for the title. Although his overall position is nine strokes behind leader Sam Burns, McIlroy’s combination of length off the tee and improving accuracy could be crucial in navigating Oakmont’s demanding layout over the weekend. With his recent adjustments in equipment and evident power gains, McIlroy remains a powerhouse to watch as the final rounds unfold.