Two players many expected to play well this week, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, flopped in the first round of the U.S. Open on Thursday.

Rory McIlroy started off hot in the first round of the U.S. Open on Thursday, but a brutal finish to his round leaves him well off the lead after 18 holes.

Wonder is exactly what his first official drive at Oakmont produced. Beginning on the back nine in Round 1, McIlroy used driver for the first time at the par-5 12th. His tee shot — with a perfect kick and runout — traveled 392 yards, his longest measured drive of the season.

You climb Everest, you don’t exactly turn around and go back again,” said Rory McIlroy ahead of the 2025 U.S. Open.

Rory McIlroy's New Personal Record at US Open Is Turning Heads originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It has been quite a stretch for Rory McIlroy in recent weeks, mostly filled with lows for the PGA Tour star ahead of the U.S. Open. If McIlroy's start at Oakmont is any indication, things could be turning around for the golfer.

Golf expert Sia Nejad has revealed his U.S. Open 2025 picks and PGA best bets for Oakmont Country Club, beginning Thursday, June 12

Oakmont is relentless,” said the man who sets up the course for the toughest test in golf. “It’s a grind. That’s the US Open.”

Professional golfer Rory McIlroy isn't holding back on his opinions about the U.S. Open's notoriously tricky Oakmont Country Club course. Coming off his Masters victory, McIlroy is obviously one of the top golfers to watch at the tournament,