I didn’t even feel like I was playing that bad,” McIlroy exclaimed, to a bit of a gasp from the media members in attendance, during his Tuesday press conference ahead of this week's U.S. Open. McIlroy admitted that the course felt “impossible” with such firm greens and harsh pins—he played as part of an outing hosted by Oakmont member Stan Drukenmiller—but is pleased with the rain making everything a bit softer.

Rory McIlroy has struggled with his game and his motivation since completing the career Grand Slam. He now faces the sternest of challenges at Oakmont.

Heading into the U.S. Open this week, Rory McIlroy has been disabused of any notion that life once he completed the career Grand Slam with that win at the Masters would be smooth sailing