Rory McIlroy ended his US Open bid at Shinnecock Hills after a week of swings and missteps. After a solid 69 in round one, the six‑time major champion fell seven strokes behind the halfway leader and slipped into a five‑hole deficit by Saturday. The course’s unforgiving links left him rattled.

Saturday’s back‑nine unraveled as McIlroy recorded five bogeys for a 73, ending any chance of an eighth consecutive top‑20 finish. He rallied to two under after nine holes, but the wheels slipped, pushing him to a six‑over final score and a finish that matched his worst since 2018 last time.

McIlroy’s struggle extended beyond the green. He finished second last in approach play and 59th in strokes‑gained putting, revealing cracks in his iron work and on‑green precision. Commentators noted a lackluster rhythm that once marked his resilience, now echoing a fragile season for the upcoming majors and the world cup.

With the Travelers Championship off the calendar, McIlroy will pause before returning to the Genesis Scottish Open on July 9, a venue he won in 2023. He aims to regroup for The Open at Royal Birkdale, where links golf may restore his form and restore confidence for his next target.