Rory McIlroy‘s US Open frustration and club toss at Oakmont have become a focal point this week as the Northern Irish golfer struggled to find his form during the tournament. Despite entering the week as a Masters champion and having recently completed the career Grand Slam, McIlroy experienced mounting irritation on the challenging Oakmont course, culminating in a memorable incident where a club he tossed returned to his hand like a boomerang.
McIlroy’s Difficult Week at Oakmont
From the outset, McIlroy clearly battled to maintain composure during the US Open at Oakmont. The tournament has been marked for him by several moments of visible frustration, including damaging a tee box marker and engaging in tense exchanges with journalists. His performance has failed to live up to the expectations set by his Masters win in April, where he completed a career Grand Slam. Instead, he has struggled to gain meaningful traction in the leaderboard.
Following a tie for 47th place at the PGA Championship, McIlroy once again found it difficult to contend at the US Open. His frustrations were evident on course, with reports describing him tossing clubs around in exasperation as he faced Oakmont’s notorious difficulty. Despite these struggles, McIlroy managed to lift his performance in the final round, shooting a three-under 67, which was a notable improvement compared to earlier rounds.
The Boomerang Club Incident
Amidst improved play in Sunday’s final round, McIlroy’s temper briefly flared after a poor iron shot. Preparing to vent his frustration on his golf bag, McIlroy initially readied a strong swing but instead opted for a gentler club toss to the ground. Unexpectedly, the club bounced back toward him like a boomerang, and McIlroy skillfully caught it. The moment drew smiles and amusement from the two young course stewards traveling with his group, offering a rare light-hearted break in an otherwise tense week.
Media Relations and McIlroy’s Frustration with Press
McIlroy’s irritation extended beyond the golf course and into his dealings with the media. He has opted out of media duties following six major tournament rounds, citing frustration with how his equipment issues were reported. During the PGA Championship last month, his driver was found to have failed a ‘non-conforming’ test, which led to contentious media coverage that McIlroy felt was unfair.
Speaking to reporters, McIlroy made his stance clear: he is choosing when to engage with the media and believes he has earned that right.
“It’s more a frustration with you guys,”
—Rory McIlroy
“I’ve been totally available for the last few years. (The driver) thing was a part of it. But at Augusta I skipped you guys on Thursday, so it’s not out of the ordinary. I’ve done it before; I’m just doing it a little more often.”
—Rory McIlroy
“I feel like I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want to do.”
—Rory McIlroy
“I’m not daring them (the PGA Tour) to do anything. I hope they don’t change it because it’s a nice luxury to have.”
—Rory McIlroy
“But I’m just pointing out the fact that we have the ability to do it.”
—Rory McIlroy
Reflections on Playing Oakmont and Mindset During the Tournament
Throughout the week, McIlroy’s mood visibly fluctuated as he grappled with Oakmont’s punishing setup. The course is known for exacting penalties on even the smallest mistakes, and McIlroy described the challenge of maintaining patience across this demanding week.
He admitted that his mindset shifted as he contemplated whether he wanted to continue playing over the weekend, suggesting that detachment helped improve his final-round performance.
When asked about his expectations for the last round, McIlroy responded,
“Hopefully a round in under four and a half hours and get out of here.”
—Rory McIlroy
He also acknowledged the mental challenge of staying composed at Oakmont, saying,
“The name of the game this week is staying patient and try to do a good job of it out there, but it’s one of those golf courses that you can lose patience on pretty quickly.”
—Rory McIlroy
Looking Ahead to Upcoming Tournaments and Life Beyond Oakmont
Despite ongoing frustrations, McIlroy is preparing to move forward as the golf season continues. After the US Open, he plans to play in the Travelers Championship in Hartford before returning to Europe for several key events, including the Scottish Open and the Open Championship, which will take place at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.
He expressed eagerness to get back to Europe and said his focus is on regaining the right frame of mind for the remainder of the season.
Reflecting on the upcoming Open at Royal Portrush, McIlroy remarked,
“It will be my first time sort of in public back home after winning the Masters. It should be a really nice week.”
—Rory McIlroy
He also shared anticipation for settling into his new home in London, balancing professional commitments with family life, and preparing for what lies ahead in the months to come.
Context on the US Open and McIlroy’s Performance
McIlroy entered the US Open amid high expectations as the Masters champion and a leading contender on the PGA Tour. However, Oakmont’s notoriously difficult conditions tested every player’s skills and patience. McIlroy’s journey through the tournament reflected the pressures top golfers face when a course exposes even minor mistakes, underscoring the mental toughness required at this level.
His visible frustration and media interactions have attracted significant attention, highlighting the challenges athletes face not only from competition but also from external factors like press scrutiny. This week has been a reminder that success in one major does not always translate immediately to another, especially under Oakmont’s harsh conditions.
As the season progresses, McIlroy’s ability to adapt and reset will be key, with the Open at Royal Portrush presenting an opportunity to re-engage with a supportive home crowd. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this challenging week can serve as a motivating turning point.