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.

OAKMONT, Pa. — Twenty-odd years ago, I sat with Ian Woosnam on a golf cart at Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Woosie is the practically-minded son of a Welsh farmer and not given to deep reflection, but on one question he was. He told me he could pinpoint exactly — to the day — when his career decline began.

Will he talk today? Will he not? — was energy wasted Sunday. McIlroy didn’t boycott the press as he’d done after six of his last seven rounds at major championships, the most prominent battle in the surreal press-vs.

The Masters champion has had five birdies and three bogeys and looks poised to card his first under-par round at Oakmont at the sixth attempt (stretching back to the 2016 tournament). He's currently tied for 35th. Each of this quartet leads the field in at least one metric through three rounds.

Even during a frustrating week, Rory McIlroy managed to make more golf history. The five-time major champ was never in contention at the U.S. Open, needing a closing birdie on Friday at Oakmont just to make the cut.

Rory McIlroy entered the U.S. Open as the third betting favorite, but ended up barely making the cut before being 11 shots behind the leader when he finished his final round on Sunday. “That’s the name of the game this week is staying patient,

Rory McIlroy had another disappointing showing at the U.S. Open at Oakmont this weekend, but he's finding inspiration as he looks to the next major event.

Rory McIlroy speaks to BBC Sport NI's Stephen Watson after his final round 67 at the US Open. Watch: McIlroy 'looking forward' to Portrush homecoming Video, 00:03:33Watch: McIlroy 'looking forward' to Portrush homecoming Up Next.