OAKMONT, Pa. — Twenty-odd years ago, I sat with Ian Woosnam on a golf cart at Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Woosie is the practically minded son of a Welsh farmer and not given to deep reflection, but on one question he was. He told me he could pinpoint exactly — to the day — when his career decline began.

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.

Even during a frustrating week, Rory McIlroy managed to make more golf history. The five-time major champ was never in contention at the U.S. Open, needing a closing birdie on Friday at Oakmont just to make the cut.

Wild tee shots and media boycotts: The pride of Northern Ireland is acting oiut of character after finally winning the Masters.

McIlroy smashed a tee marker on Oakmont's 17th hole on Friday evening, then birdied his last hole to make the U.S. Open cut with a shot to spare.

Something is eating Rory McIlroy. How does a guy go from the pinnacle of professional fulfillment to the petulant, club-throwing, tee marker-smashing anger ball that’s been stomping around Oakmont Country Club the last two days?

Sam Burns held the second round clubhouse lead at the U.S. Open on Friday as overnight leader J.J. Spaun struggled late at Oakmont Country Club while Rory McIlroy was flirting with the cutline and Bryson DeChambeau looked certain to head home early.