OAKMONT — Ryder Cup teammates Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Shane Lowry have been grouped together for the first two rounds of this week's US Open at Oakmont Country Club, setting the stage for a thrilling display of camaraderie and competition.
The trio, who have shared numerous battles as part of Team Europe, will tee off at 1:36 PM ET on Thursday and 8:51 AM ET on Friday. The grouping has already generated significant buzz among fans and analysts, as all three players arrive at Oakmont in strong form. "It’s always special playing alongside guys you know so well," McIlroy said in a pre-tournament press conference.
A Star-Studded Grouping
McIlroy, a four-time major champion, enters the US Open fresh off a victory at the Wells Fargo Championship last month. His powerful driving and precision iron play make him a perennial favorite at Oakmont, a course known for its demanding layout. "This is a course that rewards patience and strategy," McIlroy noted. "You have to pick your spots carefully."
Justin Rose, the 2013 US Open champion, brings a wealth of experience to the group. The Englishman has been a consistent performer in majors, with top-10 finishes in three of his last five starts. "Oakmont suits my game," Rose said. "It’s about staying disciplined and avoiding big numbers."
Shane Lowry, the 2019 Open Championship winner, rounds out the trio. The Irishman has been in fine form this season, with a win at the Zurich Classic alongside Rory McIlroy in April. "Playing with Rory and Justin is going to be a lot of fun," Lowry said. "But we all know it’s business once we step onto the first tee."
The Oakmont Challenge
Oakmont Country Club, one of the toughest tests in golf, is renowned for its lightning-fast greens and deep bunkers. The course has hosted nine US Opens, with winning scores often hovering around even par. Key challenges include:
- The infamous "Church Pews" bunker on the 3rd and 4th holes
- Narrow fairways lined with thick rough
- Greens that can reach speeds of 15+ on the Stimpmeter
McIlroy, Rose, and Lowry will need to navigate these hazards carefully. "You can’t afford to be aggressive here unless you’re absolutely sure," Rose warned. "One bad swing can cost you multiple shots."
Fan and Analyst Reactions
The grouping has drawn praise from golf analysts, who see it as a marquee attraction. "This is must-watch golf," said NBC’s Paul Azinger. "Three major winners who know each other’s games inside out—it’s going to be electric."
Fans have also expressed excitement on social media, with many calling it the "group of the week." One fan tweeted: "McIlroy, Rose, and Lowry together? The US Open just got a whole lot more interesting."
Conclusion
As the US Open gets underway, all eyes will be on this star-studded trio. Whether it’s McIlroy’s power, Rose’s precision, or Lowry’s short-game wizardry, the grouping promises high drama at Oakmont. "It’s going to be a battle," McIlroy said with a smile. "And I wouldn’t want it any other way."
