A day after a stunning and potentially career-defining collapse at the US Open in Pinehurst, Rory McIlroy spoke out.
The four-time major winner, who came agonizingly close to his fifth, issued a statement Monday addressing his collapse and congratulating winner and rival Bryson DeChambeau. It’s the first time the public has heard from McIlory since Sunday’s arrival in which DeChambeau climbed up and down from a bunker at the 18th to beat McIlory by one stroke.
McIlroy was last seen via NBC cameras watching in anguish as DeChambeau capitalized on McIlroy’s mistakes over the final nine games on his way to victory. McIlroy then He got into his car to leave the clubhouse. without addressing the media.
McIlroy acknowledged Monday what was obvious to everyone who saw a first major victory since 2014 slip through his fingers. Sunday was “probably the toughest day” of his professional golf career.
“Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my almost 17 years as a professional golfer,” McIlroy wrote.
“First of all, I would 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.”
McIlroy later lamented the two missed putts on the back nine that combined to leave him one stroke behind rather than a header from DeChambeau after 72 holes. After connecting on each of his previous 496 putts within three feet this season, he missed short putts on the 16th and 18th that totaled 6 feet, 3 inches, mistakes that have the potential to linger in McIlroy’s psyche for the foreseeable future.
Instead, he promised to look forward, once he’s finished processing on Sunday.
“As I reflect on my week, I will regret a few things over the course of the tournament, mainly the 2 missed putts on the 16th and 18th and on the final day. But, as I always try to do, I will look at the positives of the week that outweigh you grow the negatives.
“As I said at the beginning of the tournament, I feel closer than ever to winning my next major championship. The only word that would describe my career is endurance. I have proven my endurance time and time again over the last 17 years and I will do it again. “
McIlroy is taking some time off before focusing on the upcoming Scottish Open (July 11-14) and British Open (July 17-21).
“I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and prepare for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon.”
The British Open will mark McIlroy’s next and final chance in 2024 at a fifth major championship. He previously won the British Open at Royal Liverpool in 2014.