The sky at Oakmont Country Club was somehow both hazy and bright, and the contradiction was a nice accidental framework for what we saw from Rory McIlroy in his opening round of the U.S. Open on Thursday.

Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau opened the 2025 U.S. Open as many anticipated: on the first page of the leaderboard. Unfortunately, their success only lasted approximately nine holes each as they took advantage of great scoring opportunities early at Oakmont only to eject on their paths into the clubhouse to sign their first-round scorecards.

Rory McIlroy birdied his second and third holes in the first round of the U.S. Open, and maintained that 2-under number through his opening nine. His second nine — the front side — told a different tale. Starting his day on the 10th hole at Oakmont Country Club, McIlroy shot 33-41 for a 4-over 74.