Rory McIlroy’s chance to break a 10-year major hoodoo was down to a US Open putt he hasn’t missed all year
Rory McIlroy let forth a sigh heard around the golfing world as he missed a putt on the last hole that has been his bread-and-butter all year, signalling a social media pile-on from golf fans.
For 10 years Northern Ireland’s McIlroy has been striving to snap a major victory drought that has seen him go without a win in the big four since 2014.
America’s Bryson DeChambeau finished six-under to win his second US Open title at Pinehurst on Monday, bettering McIlroy by one shot.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“A bitter disappointment for Rory,” Dame Laura Davies said on Sky Sports.
“He had it in the bag, bogeyed three of the last four holes — missed a few putts — and that will be a bitter pill for him to swallow.
“He was so close … second in a major again. I can’t help feeling for Rory.
“It’s inexplicable. It shows just how hard it is to win a golf tournament, let alone the US Open — probably the hardest test they’ve had for many a year.
“Sometimes it just doesn’t go your way at the end. Will it hurt him? It really could do. It’s such a disappointing loss.
“He’ll be remembered for the two putts, but he played some unbelievable golf to get to four under at one stage. He can take heart from the fact he put himself into position again … and he will win one again at some point. But this will be hard for him to take.”
The stroke which everyone will remember appeared a simple ‘two-footer’, a putt that McIlroy has nailed on every occasion on tour this season - but it was not to be.
Australian golfer Wayne Riley said, ‘It was sad to watch’, as one of the world’s greatest golfers had to endure another close miss in a major.
Noted golf gambler and boss of Barstool Sports in the US, David Portnoy, was more scathing and told his legion of fans via X that Rory had just’ puked all over himself’ such was the extent of the ‘choke’.
A visibly shaken McIlroy left Pinehurst straight after DeChambeau’s winning putt hit the hole and has since declined interviews.
