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.

Rory McIlroy has defended himself for not speaking to media during the US Open as he admitted he has stopped caring about his tournament performance for the rest of the weekend. The Northern Ireland golfer completed a career Grand Slam when he was victorious at The Masters in Augusta earlier in the year,

A dismal back nine was Rory McIlroy’s undoing as he got off to a slow start at the US Open on Thursday, opening his Oakmont campaign with a +4 finish.His score sat at a competitive -2 come the end of the front nine,

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 and in a tie for 45th at Oakmont Country Club, barely sneaking past the cutline nine years after he missed the cut the last time the major was held at the course.

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.

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 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.