“Rory McIlroy’s Five Unbreakable US Open Records”
It’s easy to forget that Rory McIlroy is already etched in golfing history. In recent years, discussions about the Northern Irishman’s performance at major championships often highlight his drought since 2014. However, despite being stuck on four major victories, placing him joint-21st among the game’s legends, McIlroy still holds a prestigious place in the history…
It’s easy to forget that Rory McIlroy is already etched in golfing history. In recent years, discussions about the Northern Irishman’s performance at major championships often highlight his drought since 2014.
However, despite being stuck on four major victories, placing him joint-21st among the game’s legends, McIlroy still holds a prestigious place in the history of the US Open. In 2011, a 22-year-old McIlroy made a grand entrance on the major championship stage by winning at Congressional in a record-breaking fashion. He triumphed over Jason Day by eight strokes, setting or tying 12 US Open records in the process.
“It feels like a lifetime ago,” McIlroy reflected. “Honestly, I think it was the best week of ball-striking I’ve ever had. I often revisit that week because of how well I played, but also, and this makes me feel old, because I now remember the highlights more than the actual events. It’s great to have my name on a trophy like that.”
The US Open is typically the toughest test in golf, but McIlroy defied expectations in 2011. As the now 35-year-old heads to Pinehurst, hoping to end his major championship drought, he still holds several records from that historic week, some of which might stand the test of time.
**Lowest-ever 72-hole total**
McIlroy shot all four rounds in the 60s (65-66-68-69), a remarkable feat for the US Open. He shattered Jack Nicklaus’ 1980 record of 272 strokes, finishing with a total of 268. Although Martin Kaymer and Gary Woodland came close with scores of 271 in 2014 and 2019 respectively, McIlroy’s record remains unbeaten, even after low scoring in the 2023 US Open.
**Most strokes under-par**
Many compared McIlroy’s victory to Tiger Woods’ legendary win at Pebble Beach in 2000, where Woods won by 15 strokes. McIlroy, although not as dominant, surpassed Woods’
