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McIlroy Mocked Heckler, Finishes +6, Skips Travelers Championship

6/23/2026

29 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

**McIlroy Mocks Heckler**

Rory McIlroy mocked heckler’s belly after the fan shouted “Get in the bunker!” during his tee-off at the 2026 U.S. Open.
He finished +6, tying for 32nd after a second-consecutive 73 and a three-over back-nine.
McIlroy told BBC Sport he was “really disappointed,” saying the back nine at Shinnecock Hills “won the battle”.
He will skip the Travelers Championship, move near London, and prepare for the Open at Royal Birkdale.

Summary

**McIlroy Collapses**

A back-nine collapse left McIlroy 11 shots behind leader Cameron Clark, ending any realistic title hopes.
After being blown out to sea by wind in 2018, McIlroy vowed to improve on U.S. Open-style courses and posted a 66-foot birdie, the longest successful approach of the week.
Following the event, he departed Long Island quickly, traveling to his new residence near London.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 the U.S. Open returned to Shinnecock Hills, confirming the venue’s reputation for difficulty. The links-style club, founded in 1891 and restored in the 2010s by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, has hosted six U.S. Opens, most recently in 2026 when Rory McIlroy fell 11 shots behind after a windy opening round.

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**McIlroy Mocks Heckler**

Rory McIlroy mocked heckler’s belly after the fan shouted “Get in the bunker!” during his tee-off at the 2026 U.S. Open.
He finished +6, tying for 32nd after a second-consecutive 73 and a three-over back-nine.
McIlroy told BBC Sport he was “really disappointed,” saying the back nine at Shinnecock Hills “won the battle”.
He will skip the Travelers Championship, move near London, and prepare for the Open at Royal Birkdale.

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