Rory McIlroy shot a 3-under 67 to finish the U.S. Open at 7 over. That's a performance he can build off as he works toward the year’s final major.

Even during a frustrating week, Rory McIlroy managed to make more golf history. The five-time major champ was never in contention at the U.S. Open, needing a closing birdie on Friday at Oakmont just to make the cut.

Through six holes of his second round on Friday, McIlroy sat eight-over par with the cut projected to come into play at seven-over. The reigning Masters champion was forced to fight his way into the weekend at Oakmont Country Club outside Pittsburgh — and it really became a battle.