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A Frustrated Rory McIlroy Snubs Media After Being Victimized By Unforgiving Oakmont Rough

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Rory McIlroy during the US Open at Oakmont

© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images


Rory McIlroy experienced an up and down opening round at the 125th US Open Championship at Oakmont Country Club. The PGA Tour star breezed through his front nine before struggling on his back half.

At one point, McIlroy was seen using his club as a weapon, taking an angry swing at the course’s thick grass. He was one of many golfers to fall victim to the rough at Oakmont.

The difficulty of the golf course was a talking point throughout the leadup to the tournament. Prior to his first round, McIlroy spoke on what he expected in terms of toughness.

“[It] felt impossible… It didn’t feel like I played that bad [while recording an 81 during a practice round]… It was nearly impossible… If you put it in the fairway, it’s certainly playable.”

The tall grass outside the fairways was the number one topic of discussion during the practice rounds. Oakmont’s staff is intentional in keeping the rough as high as possible in order to penalize golfers for wayward shots.

Superintendent Mike McCormick says his team uses custom mowers to manicure the area to its desired length. The ball simply disappears when it lands outside the fairway. It’s at times unplayable!

Rory McIlroy struggled during his practice rounds to battle out of the tall rough. Videos of his preparation circulated social media as he attempted to get a feel for the playing surface.

Unfortunately, the same issues reared their ugly heads on Day 1.

Rory McIlroy fell victim to the Oakmont rough.

McIlroy kicked his day off with a 392-yard blast from the opening tee box. He shot 33 on his front nine to climb up the leaderboard. He then went backwards with a 41 on the back nine.

The golfer found himself in that rough multiple times during the second half of his round. Once, he was able to escape complete disaster with a bogey on No. 4.

Emotions got the best of him amid a double-bogey on No. 8. After again finding the thick Oakmont rough, he attempted to get to the green with a short chip shot. His club caught the grass, leading to a mishit and an unfortunate lie.

After the shot, he took an angry swing at the golf course. It was far from an ideal finish to his day.

The back nine represented a disappointing end after a promising start. Frustrated, he reportedly skipped media interview requests. It was something he was criticized for doing at the PGA Championship.

Rory McIlroy wrapped up his day at +4. He’ll look to make up some ground in Round 2, but based on his recent struggles, it could prove a difficult task.