McIlroy Posts 73 at U.S. Open, Trails Clark by 10 Shots After Third Round

U.S. Open on June 20, 2026, finishing 3-over par for the tournament and trailing Wyndham Clark by 10 shots. McIlroy opened with a first-round 69 and made three consecutive birdies on holes 5-7 during his third round.

He shot 33 on the front nine before recording a 40 on the back nine. McIlroy made five bogeys on the back nine, including on holes 10, 12, 14, 15, and 18. His second shot on hole 10 landed on the green but rolled off after he stood 49 yards from the hole in the 10th fairway.

McIlroy declined interview requests after his third round and left Shinnecock Hills immediately after completing play. McIlroy had said before the round that he still felt in contention despite being seven shots back after two rounds. "Just try to limit the mistakes a little bit over the weekend and feel like I'm playing well enough to pick off a few birdies here and there," he said.

ESPN reported that McIlroy had struggled on Shinnecock's second nine in the two rounds since his opening 69.