Putter lets down Rory on 'cauliflower' greens

Rory McIlroy endured one of the most agonizing putting displays of his career at the US Open on Saturday as his hopes of a fifth major title were badly dented.

The world No 1 started the day nine shots adrift of joint leaders Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed and sorely in need of a barnstormer of a round.

He delivered off the tee and fairways with some superb shot-making but time and again he missed with the putter from within eight feet.