Nick Faldo’s Harsh Verdict on Rory McIlroy’s US Open Collapse

Nick Faldo’s Harsh Verdict on Rory McIlroy’s US Open Collapse

Rory McIlroy’s agonizing wait for a fifth major title continues after a dramatic collapse in the final holes of the US Open at Pinehurst, where Bryson DeChambeau claimed his second title.

Faldo’s Blunt Assessment

Sir Nick Faldo didn’t hold back, summarizing McIlroy’s heartbreak with an 11-word statement: “That’s going to haunt Rory for the rest of his life, those two misses.”

A Crushing Defeat

McIlroy’s dream of clinching victory seemed within reach until two missed putts on the 16th and 18th holes dashed his hopes. Starting the day three shots behind DeChambeau, McIlroy surged with four birdies in a five-hole stretch, taking a two-shot lead.

The Final Stretch

Despite leading by one with three holes left, McIlroy’s chances were shattered by two gut-wrenching missed putts, allowing DeChambeau to secure his second US Open crown with a steady par on the 18th. The heartbreaking defeat extends McIlroy’s 10-year wait for a major title.

Faldo’s Insight

Commentating for Sky Sports, Faldo, a six-time major champion, described the finale: “It was an unbelievable finish. That was a four of all fours to finish from Bryson and the celebration of all celebrations! Rory will be broken-hearted, so I feel for him. He’s going to be gutted, absolutely gutted.”

DeChambeau’s Sportsmanship

Post-match, McIlroy did not address the press. Conversely, a jubilant DeChambeau displayed sportsmanship, offering words of consolation: “For him to miss that putt (on 18), I would never wish that on anybody. I think that fire in him is only going to continue to grow. He’s going to win more major championships.”

DeChambeau praised McIlroy’s gameplay: “When he was climbing up the leaderboard, he was two ahead, I was like, ‘Uh-oh, uh-oh’. But luckily things went my way.”

A Statistical Anomaly

Golf statistician Justin Ray highlighted the rarity of McIlroy’s miss, noting his perfect record on putts within three feet this season until the 16th hole. McIlroy’s defeat was sealed with a 3ft 9in miss on the 18th, while DeChambeau saved par after a bunker shot, clinching victory with a final score of six-under.

Looking Forward

McIlroy has a few weeks to overcome his disappointment before The Open Championship at Royal Troon next month. His fire and determination will be crucial as he chases that elusive fifth major title.