Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay surged to the top of the leaderboard at the US Open in Pinehurst, both shooting impressive five-under 65 rounds. McIlroy's bogey-free start, reminiscent of his past major victories, showcased his controlled and disciplined play. Despite early setbacks, Tiger Woods struggled, finishing with a four-over par. The course, Pinehurst No. 2, presented challenges and surprises, with various players navigating its conditions differently. McIlroy's confidence, marked by a critical birdie putt on the 18th hole, positions him well to potentially end his major title drought stretching back to 2014.