Rory McIlroy eyes better showing in return to Oakmont - ESPN

OAKMONT, Pa. — Rory McIlroy said Tuesday that he shot 81 with two birdies on the final two holes at Oakmont Country Club during a scouting trip to the course last week.

«They had the pins in dicey locations, and greens were running at 15 1/2. It was nearly impossible,» McIlroy said. «I birdied the last two holes for 81. It felt pretty good. It didn't feel like I played that bad.»

McIlroy, who missed the cut the last time the U.S. Open was held at Oakmont in 2016, said the conditions of the course this week have so far been more benign than what he previously experienced due to the copious amount of rain the area has received in recent days.

The five-time major winner and defending Masters champion was one of the first off Tuesday morning as he cruised around Oakmont with Shane Lowry before spending ample time on the driving range.

«It was a little softer. The pins aren't going to be on 3 or 4 percent slopes all the time,» McIlroy said. «If you put it in the fairway, it's certainly playable. But then you just have to think about leaving your ball below the hole and just trying to make as many pars as you can. You get yourself in the way of a few birdies, that's a bonus.»

That is the challenge that Oakmont presents to the best players in the world this week. Some pars are going to feel like birdies, while bogey on some of the course's toughest holes will be welcomed. The course's large, sloping greens are tough enough, but the challenge begins off the tee where thick, deep rough awaits just off Oakmont's tight fairways.

While driving is usually McIlroy's strength — he is second on the PGA Tour in strokes gained off the tee this season — his last few starts have featured uncharacteristic performances in that area. After his