McIlroy and Lowry gear up for Major challenge at US Open Two Irish golfers will be teeing it up at Oakmont Country Cub this week for the 125th US Open, with Rory McIlroy representing Northern Ireland and Shane Lowry present for the Republic. While the duo make up a fraction of the 156-player field, they will both fancy their chances of winning the third Major of the season and we have assessed the pair's chances of success. William Hill Betting Offer Excited for the US Open? Check out our new guide to the best golf betting sites. Rory McIlroy World ranking: 2 Major wins: 5 US Open wins: 1 (2011) Last 10 US Open results: T9-CUT-CUT-CUT-T9-T8-T7-T5-2-2 US Open 2025 odds: 10/1 with William Hill Northern Irishman McIlroy won the Masters at Augusta National in April, a victory that saw him complete the Grand Slam and further rubber stamp his position as one of golf's greatest players. The 36-year-old has turned out three times since that Georgia triumph, finishing tied-seventh at the Truist Championship, T47 at the PGA Championship and missing the cut at last week's Canadian Open. McIlroy's issues have stemmed from a change in driver, something he was forced to do after it was revealed at the PGA that he had a non-conforming driver, and that club let him down massively in Canada. The world number two admits his poor form is a concern ahead of the US Open, which he won back in 2011 at Congressional Country Club, and a weak driver just won't do at Oakmont. McIlroy's approach play is also lacking, he ranks 77th in greens in regulation and 71st in strokes gained approach, but it is always dangerous writing off a player of his class and he could just as easily turn it on this week. A watching brief is perhaps best for McIlroy, who could be worth chancing at the halfway stage if he is in the mix. Shane Lowry World ranking: 12 Major wins: 1 US Open wins: 0 Last 10 US Open results: T9-T2-T46-CUT-T28-T43-T65-CUT-T20-T19 US Open 2025 odds: 28/1 with William Hill The Republic of Ireland's chances rest solely on the shoulders of Shane Lowy, who landed his one and only Major title at the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush. While the 38-year-old will fancy his chances of a second Claret Jug when the fourth Major returns to the scene of his success next month, he could be a US Open champion by then. Lowry has finished runner-up twice this season - at Pebble Beach and the Truist Championship - while he heads into this Major on the back of a positive tied-13th effort at the Canadian Open. The world number 12 has been on the cusp of a victory this year and this week's difficult test should suit him down to the ground, given he often thrives when the going gets tough. Lowry came close to winning at Oakmont in 2016, when he let a two-shot lead slip in the final round to eventually finish in a share of second place, and he will be eager to make amends for that near-miss nine years on. Ranking second in strokes gained for tee-to-green and approach, Lowry's long game has been in fine shape, and given he boasts one of the best short games in the world, he looks primed to challenge this week.
