Taming Beast at last gives Mcllroy a Major boost for Open bid at home

RORY MCILROY played and fought like a five-time Major champion and Grand Slam icon at long last after suddenly rediscovering his form at the US Open yesterday.

- BY JIM BLACK

After two months of missed cuts and below par performances in the wake of his Masters triumph, the world No.2 lived up to his lofty status at Oakmont.

Having been mauled by "The Beast" for three rounds, the Northern Irishman dug his claws in to produce a closing 67 to sign off on seven-over-par for the week on the fringes of the top 20.

His mix of six birdies and three bogeys came way too late to influence the outcome of the 125th US Open but at least his powerful finish will act as a confidence-booster ahead of next month's final Major of the year.

McIlroy's hugely improved showing following rounds of 74,72 and 74 couldn't have come at a more opportune moment as he contemplates a return to Royal Portrush for The Open on the course he grew up playing.

For while 18 holes of solid and at times very impressive golf does not necessarily signal the end of McIlroy's woes, it is encouraging all the same.

The Northern Irishman also appears more at peace with his big stick after being forced to change drivers to conform to the regulations concerning certain types of clubs.

With little other than pride to play for, McIlroy refused to go down without a fight and after birdying the second and the seventh, he reached the turn on one under-par as a consequence of giving a shot back at the ninth.

The situation appeared ominous when the 36-year-old also bogeyed 10.