Rory McIlroy stays positive despite struggle at US Open

Rory McIlroy comfortably missed the US Open cut for the second year running but insisted he was looking to the future with confidence after a late birdie barrage eased his pain at Erin Hills.

The world No 2 followed his hellish 78 of Thursday with a one-under par 71 yesterday, picking up shots on four of his last six holes to finish well outside the projected cut mark on five-over par.

“Showed up for the last six holes, anyway,” McIlroy said wistfully after tapping in from a foot for a two at the ninth.