Faldo Blasts McIlroy’s Decision-Making in Heartbreaking US Open Collapse

Faldo Blasts McIlroy’s Decision-Making in Heartbreaking US Open Collapse

Six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo has publicly criticized Rory McIlroy’s decision-making following his dramatic collapse at the 2024 US Open. Commentating for Sky Sports, Faldo expressed his bewilderment at the choices McIlroy made during the final stretch at Pinehurst No. 2, where McIlroy’s strong performance unraveled in devastating fashion.

A Promising Start Turns Tragic

On Sunday afternoon, McIlroy seemed poised for a triumphant finish, playing with precision and determination. He stood at four-under for the day and eight-under overall when he approached the par-3 15th hole. Despite having bogeyed this hole twice earlier in the tournament, McIlroy chose a 7-iron for his tee shot, a decision that Faldo and fellow commentator Wayne Riley found puzzling.

Riley remarked, “Seemed like a lotta club to me,” as McIlroy’s ball landed in a terrible lie beyond the green. Faldo added, “Long is not good,” questioning why McIlroy did not opt for a safer shot into the heart of the green. The resulting bogey marked the beginning of McIlroy’s troubles.

Unraveling Under Pressure

McIlroy’s struggles continued at the next hole. After finding the fairway and reaching the green with his approach, a two-putt par seemed likely. Instead, McIlroy three-putted, and panic set in. Despite showing resilience by saving par on the par-3 17th after a wayward tee shot, his decisions on the final hole drew harsh criticism.

As McIlroy prepared to hit his final tee shot with a driver, Faldo and Riley were visibly confused. “Why is he hitting this right now?” Faldo questioned. Riley echoed the sentiment, baffled by McIlroy’s choice to aim down the left side and try to navigate the breeze.

The risky decision resulted in McIlroy’s ball landing in the native area. Faldo was quick to highlight the contrast with McIlroy’s strategy the previous day, where he used a 3-wood and had a manageable 123-yard approach. “Even if [he gives himself] a 150-yard shot, so what?!” Faldo exclaimed.

Final Moments of Despair

McIlroy’s troubles culminated in missing the green with his approach and then missing a short putt inside four feet for the second time in four holes. Faldo’s final verdict was somber: “That’s going to haunt Rory for the rest of his life, those two misses.”

After the round, McIlroy chose not to speak to the media, a decision that surprised many, including the tournament winner Bryson DeChambeau. DeChambeau, however, offered supportive words for McIlroy, stating, “I wouldn’t wish that on anybody,” during his winner’s news conference.

The Aftermath

As the golfing world reflects on the 2024 US Open, Faldo’s critique of McIlroy’s decision-making has sparked widespread debate. McIlroy’s collapse serves as a stark reminder of the pressures and split-second decisions that can define a golfer’s legacy.