Rory McIlroy launches X-rated rant as US Open chance falls away | Golf | Sport

Rory McIlroy let his frustrations show as his US Open challenge failed to get going on the final day of play at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. Attempting to claim his first win in the tournament for more than a decade, the Northern Irishman was left swearing to himself as his challenge continued to falter.

McIlroy arrived at the Long Island course already three over par for the final day of play, but things only got worse as he served up four bogies in his opening nine holes on Sunday. McIlory was not out of reach of some of his rivals, but Wyndham Clark entered the final day with a six-shot lead on -7, meaning the Masters champion was always going to have his work cut out.

But after one shot made its way into the bunker, it appeared that McIlroy was somewhat checked out and simply ready for the day to be over.

“Oh, just go home Rory,” he remarked after watching his ball descend into a difficult position, as X-rated language followed.

After hitting the ball from the dense rough towards the green, it bounced off a cart path and found its way into a spectator zone. A member of the audience looked to reach for it, as those surrounding them shouted ‘no’.

Such was the reaction to the incident, the USGA were forced to release a statement. Though it appears the ball remained untouched after all, as McIlroy recorded 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.”

McIlroy’s chances of victory in the US were over by Sunday, following a devastating back nine on Sunday afternoon. The 37-year-old carded five bogeys to end his aspirations of a second US Open title for another year.

The veteran declined to speak to the media on Saturday, and it appears unlikely he will be happy to chat following his final round. McIlroy had spoken positively about the course set-up on Friday, before his struggles.

“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.