"I've Still Got A Really Good Chance" McIlroy Gives Thoughts Going Into US Open Weekend

"I've Still Got A Really Good Chance" McIlroy Gives Thoughts Going Into US Open Weekend

Rory McIlroy US Open Contention
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The four-time Major champion produced a "rollercoaster" second round to make it into the weekend at the US Open.

"I've Still Got A Really Good Chance" McIlroy Gives Thoughts Going Into US Open Weekend

It's been nearly seven years since McIlroy's last Major triumph, and a near decade since his last US Open victory. However, the Northern Irishman certainly kept himself in contention despite an up-and-down second day at Torrey Pines.

The 32-year-old had produced a solid first round of 70 to sit only three shots back of leaders Russell Henley and Louis Oosthuizen.

Teeing off on the 10th, McIlroy's "rollercoaster" second round started brightly, with a bogey and two birdies at his first three holes putting him within two of the lead.

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A trio of bogies would follow though, with a birdie at the par-5 18th (his 9th) steadying the ship.

Starting fresh on the back nine, the inconsistencies would continue on the picturesque Californian course, with yet another trio of bogies in a four-hole stretch putting him four-over-par through 14 and perilously close to the cut line.

The bogey run seemed to reignite McIlroy though, with birdies at the 6th (his 15th) and the very last hole, meaning he would sign for a two-over-par 73.

"It was a bit of a roller coaster, I got off to a good start. I made a couple of birdies early on and was under par for the round.

Rory McIlroy US Open Contention

McIlroy's US Open record is outstanding, with six top-10 finishes in a row. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

"Then there were a few holes around the turn where I just made a couple of mental errors and missed it in the wrong spots, and when you do that around this golf course, it's just really hard to see a par.

"I made a few bogeys, but as you said, birdieing two of the last four holes definitely makes me feel better about the round and gives me a nice bit of momentum going into tomorrow.

"Even though Richard Bland's up there at 5-under, 1-over is right in it. So, yeah, I'm in for the weekend and still feel like I've got a really good chance."

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x