Rory McIlroy explained to a small group of media after his third round at the U.S. Open why he doesn't feel as if he has to talk to them as often as before.

Prior to the US Open, McIlroy admitted to feeling somewhat flat post-Augusta victory. After an 11-year quest for the career Grand Slam came to an end with glory at Augusta, the 36-year-old has found it tough to get going again.

After making three birdies and just one bogey over the final 15 holes on Friday — and making birdie at No. 18 to ensure getting inside the cut line — the five-time major champion shot 74 in the third round and is at 10-over 220. “I was hoping to play better, but I didn’t,” McIlroy said.

The Northern Irishman has endured a gruelling US Open, but battled hard to make the cut at the fiendishly difficult Oakmont Country Club

Rory McIlroy’s stay in the U.S. Open field nearly lasted just two days. But a birdie on the 18th hole salvaged his second round (2-over) to get him through two days at 6-under and in a tie for 45th at Oakmont Country Club, barely sneaking past the cutline nine years after he missed the cut the last time the major was held at the course.

U.S. Open saw its field cut after the second round completed Saturday, June 14. See which star golfers made and missed the cut.

Rory McIlroy disclosed what he shot during a practice round at Oakmont ahead of the U.S. Open, and its 'Toughest Test in Golf' title seems to hold.

OAKMONT, Pa. — It seems like a lifetime ago that Rory McIlroy knelt on all fours at the 18th green at Augusta National sobbing uncontrollably after reaching his ultimate goal of winning the Masters and completing the career Grand Slam.

Rory McIlroy cut a frustrated figure on moving day at the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club as the Northern Irishman's major championship drought continued