The Holywood man shot a round of one under on day one in challenging conditions, to sit five behind leader Wyndham Clark
12:31, 19 Jun 2026Updated 12:38, 19 Jun 2026
Rory McIlroy speaks to the media at Shinnecock Hills
Rory McIlroy is now fourth favourite to win the US Open at 8/1 after an encouraging first round display.
The Holywood man shot a round of one under on day one in challenging conditions, to sit five behind leader Wyndham Clark. The American holds a two shot lead over Dustin Johnson.
Scottie Scheffler has gone from 6/1 at the start to 12/1, after a round of two over on day one.
The 126th US Open got underway in challenging conditions at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York, as gusting winds, thick fescue rough and demanding pin positions ensured scoring remained at a premium.
A two-hour fog delay disrupted the start of play, but once action began the 156-player field faced one of golf’s sternest examinations. Measuring 7,444 yards, featuring 155 bunkers and greens averaging more than 8,500 square feet, the championship layout proved every bit as formidable as expected.
Rory McIlroy was looking to move a step closer to a seventh major championship and his challenge for a second US Open title began alongside Ludvig Åberg and Tommy Fleetwood and began his championship on the 10th tee.
The Northern Irishman quickly moved under par with birdies at the 11th and 12th before surrendering a shot at the 13th. After a steady stretch, McIlroy produced one of the moments of the day at the par-five fifth.
After launching a 396-yard drive, the Masters champion reached the green in two and holed for eagle to reignite his challenge. Further birdies and bogeys followed in an eventful round, with McIlroy ultimately remaining firmly in contention on one-under heading into day two.
Wyndham Clark in particular impressed, adding an eagle and several birdies to establish himself as the leader on six-under. Clark’s nearest challengers are Former major champions Dustin Johnson, Matt Fitzpatrick and Jon Rahm as they all impressed to be on two-under.
One of the standout performances came from Ryder Cowan, whose two-under-par round established the best score by an amateur in the US Open since 1986.
Two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau produced a rollercoaster round, combining powerful driving with a series of birdies and bogeys to be tied on one-under alongside McIlroy and Aberg.
Shane Lowry produced flashes of brilliance, including a birdie at the 10th after a booming 328-yard drive. However, bogeys at the 13th and a double bogey at the 16th proved expensive as the former Open champion fought to remain within striking distance on four-over.
Padraig Harrington earned his place in the field courtesy of his victory at the 2025 US Senior Open and was paired with amateur Miles Russell and former Open champion Cameron Smith.
It proved to be a difficult day for Harrington as a succession of bogeys led to falling down the leaderboard to seven-over.
Graeme McDowell, a former US Open winner and successfully qualified for the championship, made an encouraging start with birdies at the 10th and 11th holes to become early leader.
However, a costly double bogey at the 16th halted his progress before further dropped shots leaves him several shots off the pace on six-over.
McIlroy’s spectacular eagle has kept him firmly in the hunt, while a host of major champions are poised to challenge as the championship moves into its second round.
What time does Rory McIlroy tee off on day two at the US Open?
Rory McIlroy will start at 18:58 UK time on Friday, which is 1.58pm local time in New York.
Who does he play alongside?
Ludvig Åberg (Swe), Tommy Fleetwood (Eng)
How can I watch?
Watch live coverage of the US Open from 12.30pm on Friday on Sky Sports Golf , with action live until at least 1am during both the first two rounds
Is the US Open being streamed?
Yes, viewers in the UK can watch via SkyGo or NowTV.
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