Golf is a sport truly like no other. For as much skill as it takes to hit consistent shot after shot, it takes just as much, if not more, mental fortitude to stay consistent for four rounds in a row.
Golf can be the best sport in the world when things are going right like they are for U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau. It can also be a very lonely place like it is for Rory McIlroy right now.
McIlroy, who had his elusive fifth major in his grasp with a two-stroke lead with five holes to play, suffered what may be the most brutal defeat of his career. He lipped out two putts inside of four feet to crack the door open that DeChambeau kicked down to steal the major.
After the final putt, McIlroy was seen leaving the clubhouse in a hurry and making a straight line to his car to get out of there. He declined speaking to media. He has since opened up on what occurred.
“Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer,” McIlroy started with.
“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,” McIlroy said..
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) June 17, 2024
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,” added McIlroy.
“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,” said the four-time major winner.
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 ended with.
The defeat understandably has McIlroy hurting. He was mere feet away from returning to the top of golf’s mountain and lifting the enormous weight off of his shoulders that is his fifth major.
With his last major coming in 2014, McIlroy will look to get back on track and give it another run when the fourth and final major of the year tees off. McIlroy will get his chance at The Open on July 18th at Roy
al Troon Golf Course.
