On Sunday, Rory McIlroy was denied another major victory when he mishandled a putt from about four yards on the 18th green, giving Bryson DeChambeau the victory in the US Open.
Dramatic circumstances prevented an emotional Rory McIlroy from winning the US Open, and he turned away in disgust.
At Pinehurst No. 2, on Sunday, 35-year-old McIlroy appeared poised to break his 10-year wait for a fifth major championship. With five holes remaining, he had a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau, but he missed the cut after making three bogeys in his final four holes.
Particularly cruel were two of those bogeys, missing two short putts for par, one of which came on the eighteenth hole. LIV Golf star DeChambeau took advantage of McIlroy’s carelessness when it mattered most, holding his game together to win by one shot.
McIlroy, who had already completed his round, could only watch in despair as DeChambeau made the winning putt from about four feet. Following the ball’s discovery in the hole, McIlroy and his caddie made their way back to the locker room.
The star of the European Ryder Cup appeared close to tears after losing yet another major. McIlroy has finished second or tied for second in four major championships since taking home his fourth major victory at the 2014 US PGA Championship.
Since his last taste of victory on the biggest stage, he has finished in the top 10 at 21 majors, including back-to-back US Open runner-up positions. Even as one of the world’s greatest golfers, McIlroy is unable to cross the finish line.
Following his excruciating loss, McIlroy left Pinehurst No. 2 right away. He didn’t speak to the media or stay for the presentation ceremony.
Still, DeChambeau did so with delight. The 2020 winner of this competition as well as the US Open champion said: “Well, first off I want to say happy father’s day to every father out there.” This one is for my dad, who sadly passed away a few years ago.”
In addition, DeChambeau honored Payne Stewart, the 1999 US Open champion who lost his life in an aircraft accident only a few months after taking home his second championship. “And to Payne Stewart, who was the reason I attended SMU (Southern Methodist University) and why I wore the cap,” DeChambeau continued. Go ahead, that’s correct.
The American then expressed gratitude to the public for their support this week. Thanks to his over 700,000-strong YouTube channel, he has become one of the most well-known golfers on the planet in recent months.
“I just can’t thank you guys enough for all the support this week,” DeChambeau went on. It means the world to me, you guys. What a wonderful group of people, you guys are the greatest fans in the world, and I am so grateful to you all.”
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