Jon Rahm Defends Rory McIlroy Amidst US Open Heartbreak: “Putt Difficulty Underplayed”

Jon Rahm Defends Rory McIlroy Amidst US Open Heartbreak: “Putt Difficulty Underplayed”

In the aftermath of a heartbreaking finish at the US Open, Rory McIlroy finds himself under intense scrutiny. However, fellow golfer Jon Rahm has stepped up to defend the Northern Irishman, shedding light on the challenges McIlroy faced and offering a perspective that has been largely overlooked by critics.

A Devastating Near-Miss at Pinehurst

Rory McIlroy’s pursuit of a second US Open title ended in frustration at Pinehurst. Crucial missed putts on the 16th and 18th holes allowed Bryson DeChambeau to snatch victory, claiming his second Major title. As McIlroy’s chances slipped away, a remarkable sand-save by DeChambeau extinguished any hopes of a playoff, leaving McIlroy to cope with the bitter disappointment.

Sympathy from a Rival

Jon Rahm, who was unable to participate in the tournament due to a foot infection, voiced his support for McIlroy. He pointed out that the difficulty of McIlroy’s final putt was not adequately recognized by the media. “One of the things that absolutely burned me, and I think it was (NBC’s) Smylie (Kaufman) who said it, he severely underplayed how difficult Rory’s putt on 18 was,” Rahm commented before a LIV Golf event in Nashville.

The Challenge of the 18th Hole

Rahm elaborated on the specifics of the putt, highlighting the severe slope that made it a formidable challenge. “When he said it’s a left-centre putt, if you hit that putt left-centre and miss the hole, you’re off the green because of how much slope there is. You could see Rory aiming at least a cup left from three feet. They severely underplayed how difficult that putt was. Severely,” Rahm explained, expressing his frustration with the media’s portrayal.

Media Criticism and Understanding

Acknowledging the pressure and rapid pace of media commentary, Rahm expressed some understanding for the broadcasters but remained firm in his defense of McIlroy. “I think that can happen a few times where unless you’ve been there on the golf course and you’re playing it or you’ve played it, it’s hard to truly explain how difficult the golf course can be, and a lot of times they only have those five seconds to say something quickly, so I also don’t blame them,” Rahm added.

McIlroy’s Personal Struggles

The tournament loss comes amidst a turbulent period in McIlroy’s personal life. He had recently filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll, only to reverse the decision just before the US Open. This emotional turmoil has undoubtedly impacted his performance and led to his decision to take a break from golf.

Taking a Break to Rebuild

In a statement on social media, McIlroy announced his plan to step away from the game temporarily. “I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon,” he wrote.

Reflecting on the Tournament

McIlroy offered congratulations to DeChambeau and reflected on his own performance. “Yesterday 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.”

Despite the setbacks, McIlroy remains hopeful. “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.”

Looking Forward

As McIlroy takes time to regroup, the golf world awaits his return, hoping to see him regain his form and mental strength. Rahm’s defense serves as a reminder of the immense pressures faced by professional athletes and the often-overlooked nuances of their challenges on the course.