Rory McIlroy stumbles in US Open first round as JJ Spaun strides into lead

McIlroy endures bruising finish to opening round

Spaun ends with one-stroke lead over Thriston Lawrence

There was a Thursday spell where it felt like Oakmont had poked the bear. Rory McIlroy was two under par, he had fired a drive 392 yards; it felt as if the Masters champion had his mojo back. McIlroy has been in uncharted, strange psychological territory since completion of the career grand slam at Augusta National in April.

Oakmont and the US Open then jabbed back in the manner only Oakmont and the US Open know. By the time McIlroy walked from the ninth green, his last, he had taken 74 shots including a second half of 41. He took a double-bogey five at the 8th. McIlroy’s demeanour showed he still cares.