DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) -- Rory McIlroy is playing more golf than he planned going into the U.S. Open, just not on the right days.

The U.S. Open champion lost his No. 1 ranking by missing consecutive cuts at the two big tournaments - The Players Championship and the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. His frustrations boiled over last week when he tossed a 6-iron after an errant shot at Wentworth.

McIlroy is part of a strong field at the Memorial, which starts Thursday with defending champion Steve Stricker, top-ranked Luke Donald, Tiger Woods and Masters champion Bubba Watson. McIlroy has added the St. Jude Classic next week before going to The Olympic Club for the next major.

Despite the scrutiny, McIlroy has kept his sense of humor. He says he added a tournament because "these two-day weeks aren't that good for me."