Poor Rory McIlroy.
The Northern Irish star’s 10-year curse has continued, missing a decisive putt on the final hole at the US Open to deny himself the chance at a first major since 2014.
America’s Bryson DeChambeau finished six-under to win his second US Open title at Pinehurst on Monday morning AEST, bettering McIlroy by one shot.
McIlroy will be left to rue a sloppy end to his final round, which included three bogeys in the last four holes — but it was the botched two-foot, four-inches putt on hole 18 that will sting the most.
The 35-year-old was 496-for-496 putting inside three season this season before the horror miss, which opened the door for DeChambeau to win the title.
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It is the latest in a long line of near misses for McIlroy, who has finished second at a major three times in the past three years, along with a top-three at the 2022 Open.
“A bitter disappointment for Rory,” English golf legend 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.”
Former Australian golfer Wayne Riley continued: “This is just one of those ones where it’s going to hurt.
“It’s blown me away. It’s a bad one.
“He was standing on the 14th tee two in front. I thought it was Rory, off you go … but no.
“He just wasn’t up to it today. He missed two three-footers … you should be holing them!
“Will this hurt McIlroy in the future? I hope not. But that was sad to watch.”
McIlroy did nothing to hide his disappointment, coming so close but falling short in ending one of the most curious droughts in world golf.
He was seen immediately leaving Pinehurst No. 2 in a Lexus after watching DeChambeau’s winning putt go in.
McIlroy reportedly denied a request for an interview and didn’t stick around to see DeChambeau handed the trophy.
While his pain was understandable, some didn’t take a kind view towards his hasty exit.
McIlroy posted a statement to Twitter on Tuesday morning, congratulating DeChambeau on his victory.
“Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I've had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer,” McIlroy wrote.
“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 two 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 defence of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon.
“See you in Scotland.”
Winner DeChambeau was asked after his round if he sympathises with McIlroy’s pain, and offered a measured response.
“He’s one of the best to ever play … for him to miss that putt, I never wish that on anybody. It just happened to play out that way.”
He added: “He’ll win multiple more majors, there’s no doubt. The fire in him will continue to grow.”
