Rory McIlroy Arrives at US Open Content With His Career, yet Burning to End His Major Drought

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland smiles on the first hole during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament in Pinehurst, N.C., on June 11, 2024. George Walker IV/AP Photo

PINEHURST, N.C.—The final question Rory McIlroy was asked before he headed onto Pinehurst No. 2 on Tuesday for his first practice round at this week’s U.S. Open was perhaps more befitting of a player in the twilight of his career than one ranked No. 3 in the world.

Are there still goals that McIlroy wants to achieve?