‘It was a great day until it wasn’t’ – McIlroy reflects on Pinehurst pain

McIlroy’s Silent Struggle After Crushing US Open Defeat

In the aftermath of his heart-wrenching loss at the US Open, Rory McIlroy found solace wandering New York’s High Line on Manhattan’s west side. The world’s second-ranked golfer replayed the agonizing scenes of his near-victory, reflecting on those two short missed putts that led to three crucial dropped shots in the closing four holes, turning a seemingly inevitable win into a bitter defeat.

 

As he absorbed the city’s bustling sights from the elevated, repurposed railroad track, McIlroy couldn’t shake off the frustration of nearly a decade-long wait to clinch another major championship. That fateful day at Pinehurst, he had showcased the high-quality golf that had too often eluded him in recent major final rounds.

 

“In those final holes, I did things on that Sunday I haven’t been able to do in years,” McIlroy revealed in his first public comments since the US Open. “I took control, holed putts when I needed to.”

 

But then, everything unraveled. Missing a par putt from inside three feet on the 16th hole and then a slightly longer one on the final hole, McIlroy lost by a single shot to Bryson DeChambeau. Departing Pinehurst in silence, McIlroy had no regrets about avoiding the media. “No offence; you guys were the least of my worries at that point,” he admitted.

 

The days that followed were painful but also cathartic. “I went home on Sunday night and actually spent Monday night, Tuesday, and Wednesday in Manhattan,” he disclosed. Despite the flood of media coverage on his Pinehurst collapse, McIlroy managed to remain largely anonymous, ear pods in, as he blended into the city’s hustle and bustle.

 

“I walked around, walked the High Line a few times, made some phone calls,” he said. “I was alone with my thoughts, which was good. I had some good chats with people close to me, and I started thinking about not just Sunday at Pinehurst but the whole week.”

 

For any athlete enduring such a devastating defeat, finding the positives becomes a necessary coping mechanism, and McIlroy is no exception. With The Open at Royal Troon on the horizon – his last chance in 2024 to secure a fifth major title – McIlroy is focusing on the opportunities ahead rather than dwelling on past mistakes.

 

“It’s just another opportunity,” he stated, dismissing any notion of seeking redemption. “I’m playing great golf, and it’s another chance to see how I can handle it better than a few weeks ago.”

 

McIlroy’s fans worldwide are hopeful, yet there’s an acknowledgment that breaking his major drought has become even tougher after squandering such a golden chance in North Carolina. Leading by two with five holes to play, McIlroy’s missed putt on the 16th was particularly painful. He had been successful in his previous 496 attempts from such a distance.

 

“I had to wait a while to hit that second putt,” he recalled. “It’s hard not to start thinking about the future or notice Bryson’s ball in the fairway. But again, that’s on me to ensure I’m in the right headspace.”

 

Despite the anguish, McIlroy insists he hit “a decent putt” on the 16th. “Probably started it straight, maybe a touch left of center, and the green grabbed it. It wasn’t a terrible putt, but I definitely felt uneasiness before hitting it.”

 

He didn’t address his tee shot that bounced through the back of the green leading to bogey at the 15th or his decision to use a driver on the final hole, which resulted in a challenging par putt. However, McIlroy acknowledged that his routine changed during the tournament’s critical moments as he tracked DeChambeau’s progress.

 

“It was a great day until it wasn’t,” he said. “I think my pre-shot routine got a bit long. I started looking at the target more and being very aware of others’ actions on the course instead of staying in my own world for the full 18 holes. But really, apart from that, there’s not much I’d do differently.”

 

Critics also scrutinized the seemingly passive role of his caddie, Harry Diamond, during those disastrous final holes. Yet, McIlroy staunchly defended Diamond. “Just because Harry isn’t as vocal or loud as other caddies, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t do anything,” McIlroy asserted. “These critics who speak up when things go wrong never acknowledge when things go right.”

 

As McIlroy prepares for The Open, the world watches with bated breath, hoping to witness a triumphant return. Whether he conquers his demons and claims victory or faces another heart-wrenching defeat, one thing is certain: Rory McIlroy’s journey continues to captivate and inspire.