Performance Coach Backs Rory McIlroy to Bounce Back Stronger at The Open After US Open Heartbreak

Performance Coach Backs Rory McIlroy to Bounce Back Stronger at The Open After US Open Heartbreak

Rory McIlroy’s latest major heartbreak at the US Open could serve as the catalyst for a strong comeback at The Open next month, according to a leading performance coach. The Northern Irish golfer experienced a crushing defeat at Pinehurst, missing two crucial short putts in the closing stages, which dashed his hopes of clinching his first major title in a decade.

Despite leading by two strokes with just five holes remaining, McIlroy’s costly misses—two-feet six inches on the 16th and three-feet nine inches on the 18th—allowed Bryson DeChambeau to snatch victory. The disappointment was palpable, with six-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo suggesting that such a collapse could “haunt” McIlroy for a long time. However, Jon Adler, a performance coach with ‘Golf is a Mind Game’, believes that McIlroy can draw strength from this setback.

“Obviously, he was feeling distraught. It’s going to take a little bit of time to get over because it stings,” Adler told the PA news agency. “When you’ve had an experience of fear—being frightened of missing because it’s such a short putt, you’re supposed to be making it—it’s not nice, especially when it gets the better of you.”

Adler emphasizes that every golfer has had similar experiences and that overcoming such moments can build resilience. “The fear is almost like a bully. Once you’ve been punched on the nose, the next time you’re not quite as scared. You’re like, ‘Well, I’ve had the worst. I’ve dealt with the worst that can happen to me’.”

Contrary to Faldo’s concerns, Adler is optimistic about McIlroy’s future. “I heard Faldo saying he’s going to be wrecked forever from this but I’m not so sure. I certainly hope not.”

Reflecting on McIlroy’s past, Adler recalls how he bounced back after a significant setback. “I remember when Rory crashed and burned at the Masters years ago, when he was young. He won the next major after that. From adversity often comes new strength. It’s from the setbacks that the great players emerge, and I think Rory’s shown he’s got that in his locker, and he’s obviously got the talent and skill.”

Although McIlroy’s US Open defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, Adler believes he has the capability to rebound. “It’s all about being able to let go when you really need to, trust yourself, clear your mind, and see it as an opportunity rather than something you might regret. That little putt was an opportunity for Rory, and unfortunately, it got away. But I’m sure, if you take it in context, he’ll bounce back. I really do think he will.”

McIlroy’s final chance to add a fifth major to his tally this year will come at Troon from July 18-21. Adler’s confidence in McIlroy’s ability to recover and perform well in the upcoming Open is unwavering. “I’d have a little bet on him for the Open,” he concludes.