Rory McIlroy began the final round of the U.S. Open with purpose. After a difficult week at Oakmont Country Club, he came out swinging and looked sharp and aggressive. The Northern Irishman created birdie chances on three of the first five holes, including a 392-yard drive that reminded everyone of his power. Though none of the early putts dropped, the intent was clear: McIlroy was determined not to go down without a fight.
McIlroy’s Early Round Charge Sparks Hope of Final Day Comeback
McIlroy’s effort on Sunday came after three frustrating days that sparked hopes of a turnaround. He opened the tournament with a promising front nine, reaching two-under on Thursday. But the back nine unraveled quickly. He gave away six shots over eight holes and closed with a 74. The second round offered little relief for the 36-year-old, as he posted a 72. After a rough Saturday, he entered Sunday at 10-over par, fourteen shots behind leader Sam Burns.
Burns has been in impressive form at Oakmont, sitting at four-under, with Adam Scott and J.J. Spaun one shot behind. Viktor Hovland is a few more shots back, still under par. All four have shown more control and consistency than the Northern Irishman, making McIlroy’s comeback hopes appear nearly impossible. Even with a strong start, McIlroy would need something extraordinary to get back in the mix.
Is a Final Day Comeback Possible For McIlroy?
McIlroy began Sunday’s round with a strong front nine that gave fans a glimpse of the form that won him the 2025 Masters, completing his Career Grand Slam at Augusta National. After missing the cut at the RBC Canadian Open and finishing 47th at the PGA Championship, questions about his form had grown louder. He avoided the media after the first two rounds and hinted on Saturday that he wasn’t too bothered about making the cut.
The early pairings are showing that there are scoring opportunities out there.
Rory now -3 for the day after this birdie. pic.twitter.com/04UsCELKPb
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 15, 2025
Yet on Sunday, something felt different about the 2025 Masters winner. There was no sign of giving up. His iron play created chances, and his drives flew with confidence. To complete an incredible comeback, McIlroy needs to shoot one of the lowest rounds of his career and hope every player ahead of him stumbles. He needs Oakmont to turn brutal for the leaders while staying soft enough for him to attack.
A comeback of this magnitude feels nearly impossible, especially on a course as unforgiving as Oakmont. However, McIlroy can look to history for a glimmer of hope. Oakmont has hosted one of the game’s most legendary comebacks**: Johnny Miller surged from six shots back to break through in 1973, and Arnold Palmer came from seven back in 1960**. But those performances required near-perfect rounds from the chasers and a collapse from the leaders.
Main Photo Credit: © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
