Rory McIlroy pulls off incredible par save at US Open after furious bunker rage | Golf | Sport

Rory McIlroy pulled off an incredible par save during the opening round of the US Open, just moments after taking out his anger in a Brookline bunker. McIlroy headed into the third major of the year as the tournament favourite following an impressive win at last week’s Canadian Open.

And, the Northern Irishman began his opening round at the Country Club just how he finished in Canada four days ago, as two birdies through his opening nine holes saw him sit at two-under-par through his opening 13 holes. McIlroy’s only real blip came on the par five came at the par four fifth – the world No 3’s 14th hole after beginning his round on the back nine.

A wayward tee shot left McIlroy in all sorts of trouble, after his ball came to rest in the bank of a bunker down the right-hand side of the hole. Throughout his career the four-time major champion has shown just why he is regarded as one of the world’s best, however his approach at the fifth showed the Northern Irishman is still human.

Stood in the sand trap with an awkward stance, McIlroy looked to chop his ball out of the thick bank, but went on to miscue his strike into the bunker just 10 or so yards ahead of him. Losing his cool, the Northern Irishman took out his frustrations on the Country Club sand, taking two fierce swipes at the bunker surface before trudging away.

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