One month ago, Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau combined for one of the most compelling, nerve-wracking U.S. Open finishes in recent memory. On Thursday, they both made a mess of Royal Troon, and sit well off the lead. Both could rebound from early adversity — they certainly have before — but they'll have plenty of work to do to get back in contention.
McIlroy shot a 7-over 78, while DeChambeau was slightly better at 5-over.
"You play your practice rounds, you have a strategy that you think is going to help you get around the golf course, but then when you get a wind you haven't played in, it starts to present different options and you start to think about maybe hitting a few clubs that you haven't hit in practice," McIlroy said.