ROUGH AND TUMBLE

Oakmont bites Mcllroy and Lowry on tough opening day

- BY NEIL MCLEMAN

RORY MCILROY will have to do it the hard way if he is to end his US Open drought after a nightmare finish to his first round.

In the Oakmont sun, McIlroy's challenge for US Open glory — a Major he has not won since 2011 - is already wilting.

McIlroy (36) dropped five shots in as many holes to leave him four-over having lost six shots on his back nine.

The Holywood star was grouped with Shane Lowry and Justin Rose, the man he bested in a play-off at Augusta National in April to become the sixth player in history to claim the career Grand Slam.

McIlroy struggled for form ahead of the 125th US Open, having missed the cut at the Canadian Open and the PGA Championship.

And his struggles continued yesterday.