Rory McIlroy’s long wait for another Major win continued in heartbreaking fashion on Sunday.
He lost three strokes over the final four holes at Pinehurst No.2, allowing Bryson DeChambeau to secure his second US Open win. DeChambeau started the day three shots ahead, but McIlroy caught up by the turn with a blazing front nine.
McIlroy then took a two-shot lead with just a few holes left. But missed putts on 16 and 18 turned things around quickly. DeChambeau’s brilliant bunker shot near the end sealed both their fates. McIlroy left North Carolina without congratulating DeChambeau or watching the celebrations.
RORY MISSES ON 18.Bryson can win the U.S. Open with a par on 18.pic.twitter.com/lSk0ZzzZK2
DeChambeau’s Thoughts:
In his post-tournament chat, DeChambeau showed sympathy for McIlroy’s ongoing Major struggles. He said he wouldn’t wish such a loss on anyone and praised McIlroy as one of the best players ever.
"Yeah [I can empathize], Rory is one of the best to ever play," said DeChambeau. "For him to miss that putt, I’d never wish it on anybody… He’ll win multiple more major championships."
Fans might think this loss will only make Rory more determined next time.
DeChambeau also admitted he was worried when McIlroy climbed up the leaderboard: "When he was two ahead, I was like, Uh-oh, uh-oh." But luck favored him that day.
McIlroy’s Ongoing Struggle:
McIlroy hasn’t won a Major since the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla. Meanwhile, DeChambeau ended his own mini drought with this victory following his first Major at Winged Foot in 2020.
Despite this setback for McIlroy, DeChambeau believes it’s just a matter of time before he wins again: "I’m sure it will fuel Rory’s fire even more… Rory is going to do it."
THE BUNKER SHOT OF HIS CAREER! @b_dechambeau has this putt left to win the U.S. Open! pic.twitter.com/Vleb6k6PvO
Matthieu Pavon echoed these sentiments after finishing fifth in his best-ever Major performance. He noted how pressure likely played a role in McIlroy’s downfall and acknowledged how tough winning can be even for top players.
Pavon said: "The more you want it, the tougher it gets… Maybe this is a little bit of pressure that got him today for sure."
What do you think? Will Rory bounce back soon?
