Fans try in vain to stop woman picking up Rory McIlroy’s ball at US Open

Crazy stuff!

The Holywood man leadS by one shot on -3, at the notoriously tough Shinnecock Hills in Long Island, New York.

The highlight of his DAY came on his 14th hole (the 5th on the scorecard), when he made a sensational eagle - his first at the US Open since 2017.

However, there was a mad moment earlier in his round when he hit a wayward shot out of the rough.

The ball sliced right and went behind the crowd before hitting a path and bouncing into a grassy area. Fans rushed towards the ball, but one lady was overly keen and went to pick it up.

On the broadcast, a collective 'NO!!' from the crowd could be heard.

Ahead of his round, McIlroy discussed the golf course, and the strategy needed to overcome it.

He said: "If everything is going the way everyone wants it in terms of weather, set-up, I think it's the best championship test in the country.

"It tests all aspects of the game: driving, iron play, you need to have your wits about you on the greens. It’s a lot of strategy, thoughtfulness.

"This course demands so much patience – it can really lure you into taking on things that you probably shouldn’t.

"If you can get your ball to the middle of the greens and just putt to the corners wherever the flags are, that’s never a bad strategy.

"The strategy I’ve employed at the US Open over the past few years has been a lot like that and that’s served me well.

"It hasn’t got me the trophy but it’s got me pretty close a few years. I definitely feel I’ve become a lot better of a US Open player by trying to really stay patient throughout the week and not taking on too much."