Reflecting on his recent U.S. Open heartbreak, Rory McIlroy embarked on a journey through the bustling streets of Manhattan and the serene High Line to come to terms with his disappointment at Pinehurst. After missing crucial par putts on the final three holes and relinquishing the lead to Bryson DeChambeau in the last stretch of the tournament, McIlroy retreated without a word and withdrew from his next scheduled event. However, before his anticipated return at the Scottish Open, he opened up for the first time about the challenging finish.
“It was a great day until it wasn’t,” McIlroy candidly admitted. In the heat of the competition, he felt a resurgence of the form he had longed for in major championships. Making crucial putts and taking command of the tournament, McIlroy navigated his way to the 15th hole with a two-shot advantage over DeChambeau. But a bogey on the demanding 15th hole and a subsequent four-foot putt on the 16th unraveled his composure.
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McIlroy admitted feeling a sense of unease before striking the putt on the 16th green. The awareness of DeChambeau’s progress in the groups behind him added an element of distraction, making him lose focus. Subsequently, on the 18th hole, McIlroy faced a pivotal three-foot par putt that could have forced a playoff, but the pressure got to him, and he missed the decisive shot.
McIlroy’s last major came almost 10 years ago (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Following his misfortune at the U.S. Open, McIlroy withdrew from the Travelers Championship to take a moment to regroup. Roaming the city streets and seeking solace in conversations with trusted individuals, McIlroy found a renewed sense of purpose and determination moving forward.
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Stepping away from the spotlight, McIlroy embraced the lessons learned from adversity, vowing to channel his setback into future success. As he recalibrates his focus towards upcoming challenges, McIlroy remains undeterred by past setbacks.
When asked if he regrets avoiding the media after his U.S. Open stumble, McIlroy quipped, “No offense, you guys were the least of my concerns at that moment.” With a smile, he acknowledged the trials he faces, optimistic about translating them into triumphs in the days ahead.
(Top photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
