600-Yard Par 5? Just a Driver—>Pitching Wedge for Rory McIlroy

The last time Rory McIlroy had made an eagle during a U.S. Open was all the way back in 2017 at Erin Hills. Well, that drought ended in impressive fashion during the opening round at Shinnecock Hills on Thursday.

After making what he called a “U.S. Open par” at the fourth, McIlroy stepped to the 600-yard par-5 fifth, driver in hand, with a stiff tailwind. Thanks to 187 MPH ball speed, a towering trajectory, and the aforementioned breeze, his drive went 396 yards. From the fairway, he hoisted a pitching wedge(!!) from 192 yards and stuffed it to 11 feet. And when you do that, you have to pay it off.

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After the eagle, he was 3 under for the day and in the solo lead. But given his recent history in the U.S. Open, it shouldn’t come as a surprise.

As the afternoon rolls on, the wind is only expected to get more intense. It’s going to take a Herculean effort for someone in the second wave of tee times to catch him—if he can get it in the house.