Masters champion Rory McIlroy says this week’s US Open venue Oakmont “felt impossible” as recently as last week.

The world number two revealed he shot 81 during a practice round last Monday, although he added that the following day he found it not quite as fearsome a challenge.

The Northern Irishman missed the cut when the demanding Pittsburgh layout last staged the US Open in 2016, before its redesign in 2023.

And while he said he tried to wipe that week from his memory, he was handed a stark reminder of Oakmont’s severe demands – five-inch rough and undulating greens – while carding 11-over in practice on 2 June.

“Last Monday felt impossible – I birdied the last two holes for 81,” said the five-time major winner, who described Oakmont as a “big brute of a golf course”.

“It felt pretty good, it didn’t feel like I played that bad.

“It’s much more benign now – they had the pins in dicey positions and the greens were running at 15 and a half. It was nearly impossible.”

McIlroy, the 2011 US Open champion, has struggled with his driver in recent weeks and is coming off a nightmarish week at the Canadian Open, where he missed the cut by 12 shots.

However, he admitted Oakmont – which is hosting its 10th US Open – felt “softer” during practice on Tuesday.

“If you put it on the fairway, it’s certainly playable,” added the 36-year-old.

“But then you just have to think about leaving your ball below the hole and just trying to make as many pars as you can. If you get yourself in the way of a few birdies, that’s a bonus.

“I’m glad we have spotters out there, because last Monday you hit a ball off the fairway and you were looking for a good couple of minutes just to find it.

“It’s very penal if you miss. Sometimes it’s penal if you don’t miss. The person with the most patience and the best attitude this week is the one that’s going to win.”