Golf news: Rory McIlroy needs to ‘process everything’ after US Open heartbreak
Rory McIlroy has vowed to ‘show resilience’ once again as he continues to pick up the pieces from his dramatic capitulation in the closing stages of the US Open on Sunday.
The 35-year-old reeled in overnight final-round leader Bryson DeChambeau to lead by two shots at Pinehurst, with a first major victory since 2014 in sight.
But he somehow missed two par putts from inside four feet on the 16th and 18th holes, meaning DeChambeau claimed the title with a one-shot victory.
McIlroy, who lives in Florida, has won four majors - the US Open in 2011, the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014, and the Open Championship in 2014.
But the fifth major win continues to elude him, and the Northern Irishman is going to take a break from the game to lick his wounds after another second-placed finish - he has been pipped to the post four times in majors since 2014.
McIlroy posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Yesterday [Sunday] was a tough day, probably the toughest I've had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.
"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 2 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."
Despite his lengthy wait for another major win, McIlroy is revered as one of the finest talents of his generation.
Here, Sports News Blitz takes a look at his illustrious career so far.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Born: May 4, 1989, in Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland.
Prodigious Talent: Rory demonstrated an extraordinary aptitude for golf from an exceptionally young age, joining Holywood Golf Club and securing his first international title at the tender age of nine.
Amateur Achievements: McIlroy's amateur career was distinguished by numerous victories, including the prestigious European Amateur title in 2006. He also represented Great Britain and Ireland in the 2007 Walker Cup.
Professional Career
Turning Pro and Early Success (2007-2010)
Turning Professional: McIlroy embarked on his professional journey in September 2007.
Maiden Victory: His first professional triumph came in 2009 at the Dubai Desert Classic on the European Tour.
Rapid Ascent: Rory swiftly established himself as a formidable force, achieving multiple top-10 finishes in major tournaments and ascending the world rankings with remarkable speed.
Major Championship Wins
U.S. Open 2011: McIlroy clinched his first major title at the US Open at Congressional, setting a new record for the lowest score under par (-16) in the tournament's storied history.
PGA Championship 2012: His second major victory came with a commanding eight-stroke win at Kiawah Island, a performance that cemented his reputation.
The Open Championship 2014: Rory captured his third major title at Royal Liverpool, leading from start to finish and securing a two-stroke victory.
PGA Championship 2014: He earned his fourth major at Valhalla, joining the elite company of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as golfers who have won four majors by the age of 25.
Continued Success and Challenges (2015-present)
Consistency: McIlroy has maintained a high level of performance on both the PGA and European Tours, including a notable victory at the Players Championship in 2019.
Resilience: Throughout his career, Rory has faced and overcome periods of injury and dips in form, consistently returning to compete at the highest level.
FedEx Cup Triumphs: McIlroy's excellence is underscored by his three FedEx Cup victories (2016, 2019, 2022), a testament to his sustained brilliance over entire seasons.
Style of Play and Achievements
Signature Style: Known for his prodigious drives, precision, and versatility, McIlroy is among the longest hitters on tour, combining power with finesse.
Accolades and Honors: Rory's remarkable career has been adorned with numerous awards, including PGA Player of the Year and the Vardon Trophy.
World Ranking: He has held the esteemed position of world number one in the Official World Golf Ranking for over 100 weeks at various stages in his career so far.
Personal Life
Education and Interests: A passionate supporter of Manchester United, Rory enjoys a variety of sports beyond golf.
Philanthropy: Deeply committed to giving back, he founded the Rory Foundation, which supports children's charities and underscores his dedication to making a positive impact.
Legacy
Rory McIlroy is celebrated as one of golf’s modern greats. His extraordinary achievements, including multiple major championships and consistent contributions to the sport, have firmly established his legacy.
Despite the inevitable challenges, his relentless pursuit of excellence and his enduring influence on the game of golf continue to inspire reverence and admiration.
