Rory McIlroy Misses Cut at 2017 US Open for 2nd Straight Year

Rory McIlroy has missed the cut at the 2017 U.S. Open after posting a score of five over through the first two rounds, according to BBC Sport.

McIlroy shot a six-over 78 on Thursday and one-under 71 on Friday, as the European Tour documented on Twitter: 

The 28-year-old was coming off a rib injury that kept him out of the last few tournaments, but he apparently felt good enough to compete this week at Erin Hills. 

"The last few weeks have obviously been frustrating—I never like to miss events either on the PGA Tour or European Tour—but it was important I got back to a level of fitness where I felt like I could give myself the best possible chance at the US Open," McIlroy said when announcing he would play this week, per Ewan Murray of The Guardian.

Unfortunately, he struggled to make the cut for the second year in a row at the U.S. Open. This is the third time in the last five majors he failed to reach the weekend.

The Northern Irish star entered the week as the No. 2 player in the world behind Dustin Johnson. He has four major titles, plus a FedEx Cup title last season after winning the Tour Championship.

McIlroy hasn't been too active during the 2017 season, but he has been successful when on the course. He earned five top-10 finishes in six stroke-play events, with his tie for 35th at The Players Championship representing his only setback.

While the recent injury remains a concern, his pure ability makes him one of the best in the world.

With the British Open about five weeks away, McIlroy will have plenty of time to get back on track before the third major of the year.