Rory McIlroy makes impressive start at US Open

Rory McIlroy said he wanted to get off to a fast start in this week’s US Open. After opening with a three-under 68, you’d have to class that as job done.

The four-time major champion, fresh off victory in the RBC Canadian Open last Sunday, recovered from a birdie at his first hole of the day – the tenth – to card a three-under round at Pebble Beach… his first round in the 60s in the US Open since 2015. 

Understandably, he was more than happy with his opening salvo.

“I played with a lot of freedom,” said the 30-year-old. “Hit my irons really good, putted well, which is something I’m going to have to continue to do this week so, overall, pretty pleased.”

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Adding that the conditions on the opening morning of the third men’s major of the season were “very benign”, McIlroy said: “It’s very, very soft for a US Open right now. You needed to get out there and shoot something in the 60s today as I can see the course getting a little bit harder as the week goes on so I’m happy with my day’s work.”

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The winner of the US Open in 2011, McIlroy hasn’t made the cut at a US Open since Chambers Bay four years ago. However, he’s feeling good about his prospects this week.

“You’d have to go back to that point to when I felt this comfortable in terms of playing great golf on the biggest stages,” he said. “I’ve got two wins already this year and have had a lot of other good performances so I feel comfortable.”