We can’t win them all as they say. He will return and fight on…
Rory McIlroy made a swift exit from Pinehurst No. 2 on Sunday evening after a heartbreaking one-stroke loss to Bryson DeChambeau at the U.S. Open. The defeat was particularly stinging as McIlroy bogeyed three of his last four holes, which allowed DeChambeau, a LIV Golfer, to clinch the title.
🚨JUST IN: Rory McIlroy takes to social media to say he’s taking some time off from golf and congratulated Bryson on the win. He says he feels closer than he ever has to winning another major. @TrackingRory pic.twitter.com/75PGCnb6ug
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) June 17, 2024
The next day, McIlroy took to social media to express his feelings and announce his decision to take a brief hiatus from golf. In his post, he reflected on the challenges of the day and his performance throughout the tournament. “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer,” McIlroy wrote on X. He extended his congratulations to DeChambeau, acknowledging him as a deserving champion and a boon for professional golf.
McIlroy highlighted the missed opportunities that particularly haunted him, especially the putts on holes 16 and 18 on the final day. Despite the setbacks, he chose to focus on the positive aspects of his performance, maintaining that he felt closer than ever to winning another major championship. He described his career as marked by resilience, a trait he plans to draw on once again.
In light of the recent events, McIlroy announced his withdrawal from upcoming PGA Tour events, including the Travelers Championship in Connecticut, the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, and the John Deere Classic in Illinois. He plans to return to the circuit at the Genesis Scottish Open, where he is the defending champion, followed by The Open at Royal Troon in mid-July.
Rory McIlroy announces break from golf after US Open defeathttps://t.co/1DqFYlGEjJ
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 18, 2024
“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,” McIlroy stated, ending his post with a note of optimism: “See you in Scotland,” accompanied by a peace sign emoji.
McIlroy’s departure from the U.S. Open and his handling of the loss sparked a mix of reactions. Sympathy poured in from fans and observers who felt for McIlroy, as he has not secured a major title in nearly a decade despite his skill and status as one of the world’s top golf miles. His misses on crucial putts at the 16th and 18th holes, which could have forced the first aggregate playoff in U.S. Open history, were particularly poignant. DeChambeau’s victory was sealed by a remarkable bunker shot that led to a par on the final hole, finalizing his score at 6-under.
While some criticized McIlroy for not showing better sportsmanship by congratulating DeChambeau in person and for leaving the course swiftly without speaking to reporters, others understood the depth of his disappointment. McIlroy, visibly upset in the clubhouse and quick to leave the scene, experienced what he considers the most difficult defeat of his career.
Rory McIlroy Breaks Silence After Heartbreaking Loss in U.S. Open https://t.co/WEF0b6LjG3 pic.twitter.com/CX6Ohd8urh
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) June 17, 2024
As he steps away from the game to regroup, McIlroy looks ahead to the European leg of the season, where he aims to recapture his form and contend for The Open, a title he last won in 2014. This break is seen as a chance for him to refocus and return with renewed vigor, hopeful to once again dominate on one of golf’s biggest stages.
Major Points:
- Rory McIlroy experienced a tough defeat at the U.S. Open, losing by one stroke to Bryson DeChambeau after bogeying three of his last four holes.
- McIlroy announced he would take a short break from golf to regroup, withdrawing from upcoming PGA Tour events including the Travelers Championship and the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
- He expressed his intention to return for the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon, where he is the reigning champion of the former.
- In a post on social media, McIlroy acknowledged the challenging day and congratulated DeChambeau, describing him as a worthy champion and what professional golf needs.
- McIlroy’s handling of the loss received mixed reactions, with some criticizing his sportsmanship and others sympathizing with the difficulty of his defeat.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
