What happened to Rory McIlroy at the U.S. Open on Saturday?

Rory McIlroy struggled on the back nine during the third round of the U.S. Open, recording five bogeys and a double bogey on the 15th hole, which significantly impacted his standing.

Is Rory McIlroy still in contention for the U.S. Open title?

No, after his Saturday performance, Rory McIlroy fell out of realistic contention, trailing the leader by 10 strokes heading into the final round.

MajorsBy the GolfOdds Editorial TeamJun 25, 2026, 11:03 AM ET

Rory McIlroy's U.S. Open Hopes Derailed by Saturday Back-Nine Collapse

A challenging back nine during the third round at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club saw Rory McIlroy fall out of realistic contention at the U.S. Open.

Rory McIlroy's aspirations at the U.S. Open were significantly hampered by a challenging back nine during Saturday's third round at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. The world No. 2 recorded five bogeys and a double bogey on the 15th hole, finishing the day at 3 over par. This performance caused him to drop out of realistic contention, positioning him for an earlier tee time in the final round.

Prior to his struggles, McIlroy had shown flashes of strong play, including a 66-foot birdie putt on the sixth hole, which was part of a sequence of three consecutive birdies. However, his back-nine difficulties marked a second consecutive day of post-turn challenges, following an even-par back nine in the opening round.

Heading into the final round, McIlroy is tied for 17th place, trailing current leader Wyndham Clark by 10 strokes. This considerable deficit makes a victory highly improbable for McIlroy, who last won the U.S. Open in 2011 at Congressional Country Club. His current price for the tournament is +778 (Pinnacle), reflecting his long odds after Saturday's round. Meanwhile, Wyndham Clark, who holds the lead, is priced at +4122 (Pinnacle).

McIlroy had previously secured top-10 finishes in both earlier majors this season, but his performance at Shinnecock Hills has put an end to his hopes of adding another major title this week.

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FAQ

What happened to Rory McIlroy at the U.S. Open on Saturday?: Rory McIlroy struggled on the back nine during the third round of the U.S. Open, recording five bogeys and a double bogey on the 15th hole, which significantly impacted his standing.
Is Rory McIlroy still in contention for the U.S. Open title?: No, after his Saturday performance, Rory McIlroy fell out of realistic contention, trailing the leader by 10 strokes heading into the final round.