McIlroy opted to take a penalty stroke and a drop, leading to a bogey and capping off a 2-over 37 on the front nine. And of course, the USGA took the opportunity to educate you at home about what to do if you find yourself in the same position as the 2025 Masters champion.

Rory McIlroy impressively went through his entire pre-round routine on the range and the short-game area with all the hope and expectation of making a third-round move in this 125th US Open at Oakmont. But when the time came for every shot to count, the world number two found himself in reverse.

Five-time major winner Rory McIlroy had a disappointing first round at the US Open and got off to an even worse start in the second.