Rory McIlroy let his frustrations boil over with a foul-mouthed outburst during his final round at the US Open

Rory McIlroy allowed his frustrations to surface as his US Open bid struggled to gain momentum on the final day at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. Seeking to secure his first victory in the competition for more than a decade, the Northern Irishman was heard cursing under his breath as his challenge continued to unravel.

McIlroy reached the Long Island venue already three over par for the closing day, but matters only deteriorated as he delivered four bogeys across his opening nine holes on Sunday. McIlroy remained within touching distance of some of his competitors, but Wyndham Clark began the final day with a six-stroke advantage on -7, meaning the Masters champion always faced an uphill battle.

However, after one attempt found its way into the sand trap, it seemed that McIlroy had mentally withdrawn and was simply eager for proceedings to conclude.

“Oh, just go home Rory,” he muttered after observing his ball drop into an awkward spot, as expletive-laden remarks ensued.

McIlroy’s tournament was not without drama beyond his performance. During the opening round on Thursday, it was alleged a spectator had collected his ball on the fourth hole.

After striking the ball from the thick rough towards the green, it rebounded off a cart path and rolled into a spectator area. A member of the crowd appeared to reach for it, as those around them yelled ‘no’.

Such was the furore surrounding the incident that the USGA were compelled to put out a statement. It appears the ball remained untouched throughout, as McIlroy posted an opening round 69.

It read: “Right after McIlroy’s second shot on the 4th hole came to rest, it appeared on the broadcast that a fan was about to pick it up when the camera moved away. However, based on the testimony of fans and a review of the available video, his ball was not lifted. The fan stopped just before picking it up and McIlroy played the ball as it lay.”

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McIlroy’s hopes of glory in the US were dashed by Sunday, following a catastrophic back nine on Sunday afternoon. The 37-year-old racked up five bogeys to put paid to his dreams of a second US Open title for yet another year.

The veteran chose not to speak to the press on Saturday, and it seems doubtful he will be in any mood to talk following his final round. McIlroy had spoken favourably about the course set-up on Friday, prior to his difficulties.

“I think the setup has been good,” he said. “I think that’s more a reflection of the golf course rather than the setup. I would say that the storyline over the first two days hasn’t really been the setup. It’s been the golf course.

“Then today was, I would say, a typical day here at Shinnecock where the wind was, you know, 15 to 20, gusting to 25 to 30. But I would say less players in the weekend, starting a little bit later, you know, I think you’ll start to see the golf course dry out a little bit and ramp up.

“But I didn’t really think there was any, like, borderline pins. I thought they’ve done a good job so far over the first couple of days.”

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