Rory McIlroy’s stay in the U.S. Open field nearly lasted just two days. But a birdie on the 18th hole salvaged his second round (2-over) to get him through two days at 6-under and in a tie for 45th at Oakmont Country Club, barely sneaking past the cutline nine years after he missed the cut the last time the major was held at the course.

McIlroy smashed a tee marker on Oakmont's 17th hole on Friday evening, then birdied his last hole to make the U.S. Open cut with a shot to spare.

Next comes the search for motivation — something McIlroy conceded has been hard to find since his landmark victory at Augusta National. On the line this week is his string of si