Win or lose Rory McIlroy continues to be the biggest story in golf because despite super-human achievement, he is only human, writes Iain Carter.

Rory McIlroy’s stay in the U.S. Open field nearly lasted just two days. But a birdie on the 18th hole salvaged his second round (2-over) to get him through two days at 6-under and in a tie for 45th at Oakmont Country Club, barely sneaking past the cutline nine years after he missed the cut the last time the major was held at the course.

Five-time major winner Rory McIlroy had a disappointing first round at the US Open and got off to an even worse start in the second.

Rory McIlroy's U.S. Open week was strange and at times standoffish. On Sunday, though, things looked different.

Rory McIlroy ended a challenging week at the US Open on a positive note as he recorded his best score of the tournament. The Northern Irish golfer had toiled in the opening rounds at Oakmont Country Club before he shot a 3-under 67 in the final round.

With his final round performance at the US Open, Rory McIlroy is back in the fight to find the right motivation for the future of his professional career.

Rory McIlroy was all smiles in a media interview at the US Open on Sunday after moaning about the media the night before.