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.

McIlroy simply wasn't sharp enough on Day 1. After an opening 74 where he did no interviews, perhaps the Masters champ is still worn out.

Oakmont is hosting the U.S. Open for a record 10th time, but given the tournament has not been held in this Pittsburgh suburb for the last nine years, many will be playing it for the first time -- particularly on a stage this large.

Rory McIlroy—specifically, his driver—has been one of the big storylines entering this week's U.S. Open. After bouncing between TaylorMade models early in the season, the PGA Tour star settled on the Qi10 and won the Masters to complete the career Grand Slam.

He had about six of each,” he said. “Rory really put us through the ringer.” Indeed. And then Faldo turned philosophical about McIlroy’s dramatic sudden-death victory over Justin Rose in April to claim the Green Jacket,

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 Channel anaylst Paul McGinley panned Rory McIlroy's "low energy" and lack of preparedness at Oakmont ahead of the 2025 U.S. Open.