Rory McIlroy played the first two rounds of the 124th U.S. Open in a group with world number one Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, both players ranked higher than McIlroy in the world.
McIlroy, who won the US Open in 2011, is seeking his first major victory since 2014. McIlroy will tee off on Pinehurst No. 2 on Thursday at 1.14pm local time (6.14pm BST), giving him a hole ahead.
The Northern Irishman's partner is Schauffele, who won his first major title at the PGA Championship last month and has finished no worse than 14th in his seven previous U.S. Open appearances, and pre-tournament favorite Schauffele completed a star-studded three-ball tournament over the first two days.
Scheffler won by one shot at the Memorial on Sunday for his fifth PGA Tour title in his last eight starts, and the 27-year-old now hopes to extend his two Masters victories with a third major championship in just a few years.
Speaking about the draw, McIlroy said: “It's always exciting to be part of a big team like this. I think at this point, Scottie [Scheffler]Sander [Schauffele] We have enough experience, myself included, to not get caught up in it and just do our thing and try to get a couple of good scores in and put ourselves in a good position for the weekend.”
Wyndham Clark will also begin his title defense in the afternoon session alongside Open champion Brian Harman and reigning U.S. Amateur champion Nick Dunlap, while Tiger Woods will be joined in the morning session by Will Zalatoris and 2022 champion Matt Fitzpatrick.
Three-time US Open champion Woods has been granted a special exemption by the USGA, the first time in his career he has failed to qualify, and the 48-year-old will tee off from the 10th tee at 7.29am local time (12.29pm BST).
Collin Morikawa, runner-up at last week's Memorial Tournament, will compete against former major champion Justin Thomas and five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, while 2020 U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau will compete against Viktor Hovland and Max Homa.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Highlights from the final day of the Memorial Tournament as Scheffler defeats Collin Morikawa
Two-time major champion Jon Rahm, who is currently battling a foot injury, is scheduled to be one of 13 players competing in the LIV Golf League this week. The Spaniard will be paired with former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and three-time major champion Jordan Spieth.
Thursday's main kick-off times (BST)
*Indicates starting from the 10th hole
*1229 Will Zalatoris, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tiger Woods
1240 Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Brooks Koepka
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Brooks Koepka is aiming to win his third U.S. Open title this week, so let's take a look at his five previous major wins.
*1251 Tony Finau, Ludwig Oberg, Dustin Johnson
1814 Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Scotty Scheffler
1825 Brian Harman, Nick Dunlap, Wyndham Clark
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Watch the moment Wyndham Clark won the 2023 US Open at Los Angeles Country Club and became the big winner
*1825 Bryson DeChambeau, Viktor Hovland, Max Homa
1836 Hideki Matsuyama, Jon Rahm, Jordan Spieth
When does the US Open tennis tournament air on Sky Sports?
Sky Sports continues to be the home of the US Open, with more than 45 hours of live coverage of the four days of action from June 13 to 16, as well as a host of additional tournament programming throughout the week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Rob Lee and Jamie Spence explain the tough test facing US Open players around the greens on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast
US Open Live will feature eight hours of pre-match preparation, interviews, analysis and practice sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday of tournament week, with coverage beginning at 2pm each day and continuing with around-the-clock coverage of all four rounds.
Coverage of the first two rounds began at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, respectively, with live broadcasts lasting more than 12 hours on both days, with the tournament beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday and the final day at 2 p.m.
Who will win the third men's major of the year? Watch the US Open live on Sky Sports. The Sky Sports Golf channel starts live on Thursday at 12:30pm. Watch the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, Majors and more with NOW.
Get the best prices and book a round at 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland
Get the best prices and book a round at 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland
