BREAKING: Rory McIlroy breaks down in tears on US Open heartbreak and takes immediate action
Rory McIlroy has announced that he will be taking ‘a few weeks away’ from golf to refocus on where he wants to be regarding the game and how he will bounce back after a tough finish
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts after finishing the final round of the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort on June 16, 2024 in Pinehurst, North Carolina
Rory McIlroy has announced he will be stepping away from golf to recompose himself after his brutal finish at the US Open.
On his social media accounts, the 35-year-old announced his intention to recalibrate after a tough loss to Bryson DeChambeau. “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer,” McIlroy began. “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now. I think we can all agree on that.
“As I reflect on my week, I’ll rue a few things over the course of the tournament, mostly, the 2 missed putts on 16 and 18 on the final day. But, as I always try to do, I’ll look at the positives of the week that far outweigh the negatives. As I said at the start of the tournament, I feel closer to winning my next major championship than I ever have.
“The one word that I would describe my career as is resilient. I’ve shown my resilience over and over again in the last 17 years and I will again. I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon.
“See you in Scotland.” McIlroy’s decision comes after he missed out on winning his first major tournament in 10 years.
On the 13th hole, McIlroy had a two-shot lead over DeChambeau, seemingly on par to end his decade-long drought that has been on the forefront of the golf world’s mind, heading into the final day at Pinehurst. However, it appeared as if the moment started getting to McIlroy as the Northern Irishman began playing uncharacteristically.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland lines up a putt on the 10th hole during the final round of the 2024 U.S. Open Championship on the No.2 Course at The Pinehurst Resort on June 16, 2024 in Pinehurst, North Carolina
On the 16th hole, McIlroy missed a three-foot putt for par, the first time he had done so in almost 500 attempts this season. His miss allowed DeChambeau to inch closer to the lead, which ultimately what happened just a handful of holes later.
With DeChambeau breathing down his neck, McIlroy attempted a strong finish on the final hole. However, the 35-year-old sent his tee shot wide into the grass and despite recovering – bringing his ball within two feet of the hole – his putt did not fall, forcing him to settle for the bogey.
DeChambeau, the LIV Golf star, then sank his putt for par to beat McIlroy by a hair. It was DeChambeau’s second major win as he also won the U.S. Open in 2020.
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McIlroy quickly left the scene after seeing DeChambeau win the tournament that was in his grasp. After his win, the LIV Golf star expressed how he believes McIlroy will be back stronger than ever, despite how his US Open showing ended up.
“Rory is one of the best to ever play. Being able to fight against a great like that is pretty special,” DeChambeau explained. “For him to miss that putt, I’d never wish it on anybody. It just happened to play out that way.
“He’ll win multiple more major championships. There’s no doubt. I think that fire in him is going to continue to grow.”
