The Masters champion has had five birdies and three bogeys and looks poised to card his first under-par round at Oakmont at the sixth attempt (stretching back to the 2016 tournament). He's currently tied for 35th. Each of this quartet leads the field in at least one metric through three rounds.

OAKMONT, Pa. — It seems like a lifetime ago that Rory McIlroy was on all fours at the 18th green at Augusta National, sobbing uncontrollably after reaching his ultimate goal of winning the Masters and completing the career Grand Slam.

First Rory McIlroy flung an iron down the 12th fairway. Then he used driver to demolish a tee marker on 17. He might not win the sportsmanship award at the U.S. Open, but he will get to play on the weekend.

Rory McIlroy has been criticised for his behaviour at the US Open this week as Paul McGinley claimed he looks "fed up" and as though "something is eating at him"

Paul McGinley pulled no punches when it came to his criticism of Rory McIlroy and his behaviour at the US Open throughout the week.

Rory McIlroy’s stay in the U.S. Open field nearly lasted just two days. But a birdie on the 18th hole salvaged his second round (2-over) to get him through two days at 6-under at Oakmont Country Club, barely sneaking past the cutline nine years after he missed the cut the last time the major was held at Oakmont.

Rory McIlory recovered from a nightmare start to scrape into the weekend at Oakmont – indeed, he played the last 15 holes in two under – but his second round yesterday will be remembered more for the wrong reasons.