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.

Rory McIlroy was back to his smiling best as he gave an interview ahead of his final round at the U.S. Open, despite his explosive outburst at reporters on Saturday

OAKMONT, Pa. – Rory McIlroy reiterated on Sunday after an encouraging closing 67 at Oakmont Country Club that his mental head space still isn’t quite right. But he knows just where that might finally change, and it isn’t likely to be at the upcoming Travelers Championship.

Two months ago, Rory McIlroy was on top of the golf world. He had just completed the grand slam, winning the Masters in a dramatic playoff over Justin Rose. McIlroy dropped to his knees after sinking the winning putt, letting the wave of emotion roll over him. After all, it was more than a decade in the making.

Rory McIlroy has been branded 'arrogant' and 'unlikable' by a number of golf fans, after the Northern Irishman finally spoke to the media at the US Open on Saturday

You climb Everest, you don’t exactly turn around and go back again,” said Rory McIlroy ahead of the 2025 U.S. Open.

Fresh from securing the career Grand Slam with a Masters win in April, McIlroy had set his sights on a sixth major title and a second US Open, having narrowly missed out to Bryson DeChambeau at Pinehurst No.2 the previous year.