Rory McIlroy’s immediate reaction to US Open agony sums up major misery

Rory McIlroy missed out on winning a major once again on Sunday after failing to putt from around four yards on the 18th green – handing Bryson DeChambeau the US Open

An emotional Rory McIlroy turned away in disgust after missing out on the US Open title in dramatic circumstances.

McIlroy, 35, was on the verge of ending his 10-year wait for a fifth major title at Pinehurst No. 2 on Sunday. He boasted a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau with five holes to play, but he carded three bogeys in his last four holes to miss out.

Two of those bogeys were particularly brutal, missing two short putts for par – including on the 18th. McIlroy’s sloppiness when it really mattered opened the door for LIV Golf star DeChambeau, who held his game together to win by a single shot.

As DeChambeau putted from around four feet to win the tournament, McIlroy, having already finished his round, could only watch in despair. After the ball found the hole, McIlroy turned back to the locker room with his caddie.

The European Ryder Cup star looked on the verge of tears after missing out on yet another major. Since winning his fourth major title at the 2014 US PGA Championship, McIlroy has finished second or tied second at four major championships.

He’s finished as the runner-up in back-to-back US Opens, and he’s achieved 21 top-10 finishes at majors since last tasting victory on the biggest stage. Despite being one of the best golfers on the planet, McIlroy just can’t seem to get over the line.

After his agonising defeat, McIlroy immediately drove away from Pinehurst No. 2. He didn’t hang around for the presentation ceremony, nor did he speak to the media.

Yet a delighted DeChambeau did. The US Open champion, who also won this tournament back in 2020, said: “Well, first off I want to say happy father’s day to every father out there. Unfortunately my dad passed a couple of years ago and this one’s for him.”

DeChambeau also paid tribute to two-time US Open champion Payne Stewart, who died in a plane crash just months after winning his second title in 1999. DeChambeau added: “Also to Payne Stewart, he was the reason I went to SMU (Southern Methodist University), he was the reason I wore the cap. Pony up, that’s right.”

The American then thanked fans for the support he’s received this week. He’s established himself as one of the most popular golfers on the planet in recent months thanks to his YouTube channel, boasting more than 700,000 subscribers.

DeChambeau continued: “I just can’t thank you guys enough for all the support this week. You guys have meant the world to me. You guys are the best fans in the world and I can’t thank you enough, what a group of people.”