Rory McIlroy with Scottie Scheffler jibe after dream US Open start

Rory McIlroy says it was nice to be the one putting on a show instead of Scottie Scheffler after the first round of the 2024 US Open. 

McIlroy tied for the lead after 18 holes at the third men's major of the year at Pinehurst No.2 in North Carolina. 

The Northern Irishman managed five birdies in a flawless opening round of 65.

It left him sitting on the same score as Patrick Cantlay and one clear of his European Ryder Cup teammate Ludvig Aberg. 

McIlroy also finished six strokes better than the world number one. 

He was asked by a reporter: "Was it nice to be the one putting on a show?" 

"I guess, in a way," came the reply. 

"It's not just the Masters that we've been watching Scottie do his thing. But yeah, absolutely." 

McIlroy described his opening round as 'controlled'. 

He said the course set-up wasn't as fiery as he anticipated. 

And he believes going out earlier tomorrow will be to his benefit given the forecast. 

"Hopefully the clouds clear away and it's a nice clear day for the guys in the afternoon," he said. 

McIlroy finished his round with a birdie at the 18th hole. 

It appeared McIlroy walked it in from about six feet out. 

But that wasn't the case, according to the 35-year-old who is searching for his first major win in 10 years. 

"I thought I'd left it short," he said.  

"That's why I walked off it. Full disclosure. It looked good, though." 

McIlroy finished second in this major 12 months ago. 

He'll no doubt believe he should've been in a playoff with Wyndham Clark in Los Angeles at the very least. 

And McIlroy insists his golf game has not changed in the interim. 

In fact, he believes he's improved in one department. 

"I'd say my iron play is maybe a touch better this year than it was last year, just looking at the stats," he said. 

"But overall I feel like I'm pretty much the same golfer."

So how will he approach the next round? 

"Just trying to be as even-keeled as I possibly can be," he said.  

"I really feel like that's the thing that has served me well in these US Opens over the past few years.

"Just trying to be 100 percent committed to the shots and 100 percent committed to having a good attitude."

He added: "Certainly the major championships that I've won or the ones that I've played well at, I've always seemed to get off to a good start, and it's nice to get off to another one."

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