McIlroy's problems with his driver began at the 2025 PGA Championship when the USGA ruled that the club he had been using all season had become nonconforming.

Victor Perez found the bottom of the cup from the tee on the 192-yard 6th hole, hitting a 7 iron just below the hole and watching as it released straight into the hole for an ace.

The shot was wonderful, the bounce was even better and the roll into the cup was smooth.

After just eight players shot under par in the opening round of the 2025 U.S. Open Championship, the challenge of the infamous Oakmont Country Club golf course is already rearing its ugly head. The scoring average was just 74.64, making it the hardest first round at the U.S. Open since 2018 at Shinnecock Hills.

The U.S. Open 2025 started Thursday at the venerable Oakmont Country Club, hosting the national championship for a record 10th time.

Atop the leaderboard entering Round 2 is J.J. Spaun, whose bogey-free 66 to open play impressed to a degree not often seen in Western Pennsylvania.

The 125th U.S. Open continues Friday at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. NBC and Peacock have full coverage combined with exclusive featured groups, All Access and a multi-view experience.