Rory McIlroy suffered more heartbreak as he blew his chance of winning the US Open.
McIlroy, who began Sunday three strokes behind winner Bryson DeChambeau, lost a tense final-round battle at Pinehurst after missing two putts within three feet in the final three holes.
“I love the test that Pinehurst is presenting, and you’ve got to focus and concentrate on every single shot out there,” McIlroy said entering Sunday. “It’s what a US Open should be like. It’s obviously great to be in the mix.”
But the Northern Ireland golfer couldn’t back up those bold words in the final round, and appeared to wilt on the 18th hole.
McIlroy displayed a pained look on his face as he exited the last hole.
He was then forced to watch on TV as DeChambeau wildly celebrated and became emotional in a live interview.
“Unfortunately my dad passed a couple years ago and this one’s for him,” DeChambeau said.
He also paid tribute to Payne Stewart.
“That’s Payne right there, baby,” said DeChambeau, holding up his hat for a TV camera.
DeChambeau (6-under) edged McIlroy by one stroke after a clutch up-and-down on the 18th green.
A stunned McIlroy instantly knew that two short misses cost him the title at a tough Pinehurst that challenged golfers for four consecutive days.
McIlroy’s last major win is still the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Heading into the 2024 majors run, McIlroy was adamant that a breakthrough was near.
After DeChambeau rolled through the third round and appeared to be on the verge of his second US Open title, McIlroy turned all his experience into a late lead.
But McIlroy missed what should have been simple putts on 16 and 18, giving DeChambeau back the advantage.
The LIV Tour golfer then did what McIlroy couldn’t on the final hole.
After McIlroy failed to putt for par on 18, DeChambeau dug out of the rough — hitting a shot while crouching under a large tree limb — and nailed the Pinehurst winner.
The hard-swinging United States started the final round by stealing a glance at the US Open trophy.
“There he is, DeChambeau,” an announcer said. “The man of the moment. … He takes a little look at that US Open trophy.”
DeChambeau ended it by edging a heartbroken McIlroy to become a two-time US Open champion.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
