McIlroy Targets US Open Glory After Memorial Setback
As the island holds its breath for the third major of the year, Ireland's own Rory McIlroy has admitted he feels limited off the tee following a mixed performance at the Memorial Tournament.
The Holywood native finished in a tie for 12th on four under par at Muirfield Village, alongside Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose and world number one Scottie Scheffler. While most of his game appears sharp ahead of the US Open, starting on June 18, McIlroy expressed frustration with his driving. He found just 30 of 56 fairways last week, but the six time Major champion is taking solace in the fact that conditions at Shinnecock Hills should be far more manageable.
It was sort of like two steps forward, one step back. Off the tee still wasn't where I want it to be. I feel limited at the minute. Thankfully the fairways at Shinnecock are a little wider than they are here. I need to work on how I'm hitting it off the tee. But everything else, my putting felt pretty good for the most part and my iron play and wedges were pretty nice. I'll just try to keep getting a little bit better each and every day heading into Shinnecock.
McIlroy flew home on Sunday night and intends to return to the United States at the weekend, heading straight for Long Island in New York where the US Open will be held.
Overall, it was not a bad week, got some good stuff out of it, and I've got a week to prep and get ready for Shinnecock, he added.
Poston Claims Memorial Victory in Dramatic Play-Off
Elsewhere at Muirfield Village, Tommy Fleetwood let slip a one shot advantage to finish fourth and lose out to JT Poston at the rain affected Memorial Tournament.
Round three had to be completed on Sunday morning, but Poston's four stroke lead was soon wiped out. An eagle for Fleetwood at the 15th hole put him out in front during the home straight, only to be followed two holes later by a bogey. Fleetwood could only watch on as Poston and Ryan Gerard finished two shots ahead on 12 under par before Poston held his nerve after two holes in the play-off.
Play on Saturday was halted with Poston and Gerard both on nine under on the sixth green. Once round three was concluded on Sunday morning, Poston improved his total to 12 under. Gerard was four shots back while Sam Burns was third on seven under. Fleetwood and American Wyndham Clark made up the top five on six under.
Poston remained leader until a dramatic back nine. A birdie for Burns at the ninth and a bogey for Poston increased the pressure, leading to a four way share of the lead until Fleetwood's eagle at the 15th. It was short lived with Clark able to join Fleetwood on 11 under before a bogey by the Englishman meant he carded 68 to finish on 10 under.
Gerard went out alone with a stunning 37 foot putt, but Poston held his nerve on the 18th with a birdie to force a play-off. The 482 yard par four 18th hole was required for the decider. Although both recorded par at the first time of asking, Gerard needed five shots next and Poston clinched his first win of 2026.