Rory McIlroy leads UK surge ahead of U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills

UK golfers have captured the first two majors of the year – Rory McIlroy defended his Masters crown and Aaron Rai won the PGA Championship – a feat not seen since 1934.

Going into the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, McIlroy joins fellow British players Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Matt Fitzpatrick and Shane Lowry in trying to extend the momentum. The links‑style course, with its coastal breezes and penal rough, is expected to favor players used to links conditions.

Analysts say McIlroy’s chances hinge on better driver accuracy, which has slipped in recent events, while a win would give him a shot at the career Grand Slam, a milestone previously achieved only by a handful of legends such as Gary Player.