Rory McIlroy will begin his US Open quest in a group with two Ryder Cup teammates and friends in Shane Lowry and Justin Rose at Oakmont Country Club.
The Masters champion has been struggling for form in recent weeks after his monumental victory at Augusta in April to complete the career grand slam, but his pairing for the first and second rounds could provide a relaxed atmosphere for the 36-year-old. McIlroy’s driver was flagged as non-conforming following a test before the PGA Championship and he has been searching for a spark ever since, which led to a missed cut at the Canadian Open last week. But the Northern Irishman will find comfort at Oakmont after finishing as runner-up in the last two US Opens.