TIPSLIFEHACKS

Rory McIlroy's US Open campaign has been far from smooth, but a dramatic late birdie at Oakmont Country Club has ensured he'll be sticking around for the weekend. The four-time major champion visibly frustrated throughout his round, McIlroy battled to a level-par 70, relying on a clutch birdie at the 18th to make the cut by just one stroke.

The Northern Irishman’s display was marked by visible anger, with several outbursts directed at the course and his own performance. While he managed to salvage his round with a late surge, he remains a significant nine strokes behind pacesetter Sam Burns, who is setting a blistering pace at Oakmont.

“It wasn’t easy,” McIlroy admitted after his round. “I felt like I was fighting my way around the golf course all day. The conditions were tough, the course was set up brutally, but you have to find a way to stay patient and keep grinding.”

McIlroy’s struggles highlight the demanding nature of Oakmont, a course renowned for its unforgiving greens and challenging layout. The course has historically proven to be a stern test for even the world's best players, and this year is no exception. Burns, meanwhile, has demonstrated remarkable composure and precision, carding a remarkable score that has left his rivals scrambling.

The key to McIlroy’s survival was undoubtedly that final birdie. A crucial putt that kept his US Open hopes flickering. “It was nice to finish with a birdie,” he said. “It gives you a little bit of confidence going into the weekend.”

However, McIlroy is aware that he faces an uphill battle to contend for the title. Closing a nine-stroke gap on Burns will require a monumental effort, a near-perfect weekend of golf. He'll need to find a way to channel his frustration into focused performance and rediscover the form that has defined his career.

What to expect this weekend? McIlroy's ability to bounce back from adversity is well-documented, but he’ll need to find a new gear if he hopes to challenge for the US Open crown. With Oakmont's relentless difficulty, every shot will matter, and McIlroy will need to deliver a performance of sustained excellence to have any chance of catching Burns.

The weekend promises to be a captivating duel between the leading contenders, with McIlroy’s fight for survival adding an extra layer of intrigue to the US Open drama.