Rory McIlroy loses the plot in club-smashing meltdown at US Open
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.
Watch every round of the 2025 US Open LIVE & EXCLUSIVE on FOX SPORTS, available on Kayo. | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
McIlroy's second round turned into a nightmare, too, as on different occasions he chucked his club following a shot on the 12th hole and smashed a tee marker five holes later, the New York Post reports.
But the 2025 Masters winner recovered enough to at least have a chance during the final 36 holes, though he trails leader Sam Burns by nine shots.
McIlroy, who continued his trend of not addressing reporters following a round, opened his second round with two double bogeys in the first three holes and added another bogey on the 11th.
That meant he needed each of his three birdies — on the ninth, the 13th and the decisive 18th — to move on after missing the cut last weekend at the RBC Canadian Open and finishing 47th at the PGA Championship last month.
McIlroy's frustration started to surface throughout the round, too, and after his second shot on the 12th hole, he threw his club forward with both hands.
You can watch Rory McIlroy lose his cool in the player at the top of the page.
Then, after his first shot on the 17th, McIlroy smashed the tee marker shortly after making contact with the ball and watching its initial path.
It continued a roller coaster stretch for McIlroy, who broke through at the Masters in April to finally complete the career Grand Slam before mostly struggling during his tournaments since.
Rory McIlroy smashes US Open tee marker. Out here breaking stuff like Fred durst pic.twitter.com/KI0Nma3rp5
— Christopher Powers (@CPowers14) June 13, 2025
'There were points in my career where I didn't know if I would have this nice garment over my shoulders,'' McIlroy told reporters after winning the Masters. 'I certainly didn't make it easy. I was nervous. It was one of the toughest days I've ever had on the golf course.''
For McIlroy to win his first U.S. Open since 2011, which also doubled as his first major title at Congressional Country Club, he'll need to erase a massive deficit on a course that hasn't produced low scores through 36 holes.
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The success of Melbourne's Ed Langdon last round understandably prompted the Saints to send proven stopper Windhager to Daicos' side right from the first bounce. But Daicos was up to the challenge, kicking into gear physically and aerobically to ensure the Magpies went six points clear on top of the ladder. He was kept under wraps in the first quarter but broke through in style during strong second, third and fourth quarters. Daicos was crucial in Collingwood's third quarter burst – which collected three goals in two minutes – before hitting the scoreboard himself with only an inch of space in the last. You can watch the cheap shots and knee incident in the video player above Nick Daicos was worn like a cheap suit. Photo: Fox Footy. He finished with 30 disposals, five clearances, nine inside 50s, nine score involvements and a goal. 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Just little things that are a step too far.' King said he didn't like the treatment Daicos received at stoppages. 'The game owes these sorts of players some form of protection,' he said. Nick Daicos celebrates during against the Saints. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images. Nick Daicos appeals to the umpire. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images) 'The umpires did take a stand early. They paid a free kick to a punch in the stomach 30 seconds into the game. I think perfect. Craig McRae's had a big win here. 'I still think our stars get held and contorted and twisted at stoppages.' The Magpies are now more than a game clear of reigning premier Brisbane with last-placed West Coast next week. Speaking after the game, McRae once again stressed the importance of protecting Daicos. 'I just said to Nick when he came off for the first break that we don't want him to fight the battles, we'll fight them for him,' he said. 'He didn't need to get caught up in the wrestle of that; the free kick against I am probably talking about. 'As a group, as a team, we want to look after him (and) we don't want him sitting there feeling like he's fighting his own battle. 'I feel like tonight as a collective, Nick's had 30 possessions, so you'd say his performance was pretty impactful and then the way we looked after Nick.' — with NewsWire Originally published as Coach asks the big Nick Daicos question as rival violates players' code
