Rory McIlroy's limited play raises eyebrows ahead of US Open
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 4:30 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Smylie Kaufman expressed surprise over Rory McIlroy's minimal participation in the PGA Tour this season, noting he has played only eight events. McIlroy, who has not finished outside the top 20 at the US Open since 2018, is preparing for the tournament amid a shift in focus following his 2025 Masters win. Kaufman highlighted McIlroy's performance stats, noting he wasn't even ranked due to his lack of events played. The 37-year-old golfer's strategy may have evolved to prioritize fewer events leading into major championships.
- •Kaufman surprised by McIlroy's eight events played this year.
- •McIlroy aims for a US Open title after winning The Masters.
- •He has consistently ranked high in past US Open tournaments since 2018.
- •New strategies focus on fewer tournaments, aligning practice with major venues.
- 4:30 PMYahoo Sports — What Smylie Kaufman spotted about Rory McIlroy ahead of the US Open that seemed ‘wild’
"Smylie Kaufman has admitted that he could not believe it when he realised just how little Rory McIlroy has played on the PGA Tour this season. Many are likely to tip McIlroy for victory at the US Open this week.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
PGA Tour•Sep 25, 2026, 11:13 PMPresidents Cup recap: 'Relentless' Internationals sweep Friday foursomes
GolfPGA Tour•Sep 25, 2026, 11:12 PM2026 Presidents Cup: The best closer in golf
PGA Tour•Sep 25, 2026, 9:51 PMGolf Tips: Weather is a-changin’ & frost can delay the fun
PGA Tour•Sep 25, 2026, 9:15 PMBank of Utah Championship 2026: Full field at Black Desert Resort
PGA Tour•Sep 25, 2026, 8:01 PMPGA Tour's major-market dilemma comes into focus at Presidents Cup
PGA Tour•Sep 25, 2026, 6:44 PM2026 Open de France: Matt Fitzpatrick grabs 36-hole lead