Rory McIlroy reveals huge megastar was first person to text after US Open nightmare

Rory McIlroy’s Emotional Revelation: The Unexpected Support After US Open Heartbreak

Rory McIlroy endured a crushing disappointment at the US Open last month, extending his agonizing 10-year wait for another major victory. As he left Pinehurst dejected, the Northern Irishman found solace in some unexpected messages from sports legends.

 

In a candid interview with the Guardian, McIlroy disclosed that basketball icon Michael Jordan was one of the first to reach out to him after his narrow defeat. McIlroy’s US Open nightmare was punctuated by missed par putts in the final three holes, including a crucial miss on the 18th, allowing Bryson DeChambeau to clinch victory by a single stroke.

 

McIlroy, now 35, made a swift exit from Pinehurst and only returned to competition at the Scottish Open last week. Despite the heartbreak, he revealed that messages from Jordan and tennis great Rafael Nadal provided much-needed encouragement.

 

“Rafa Nadal and Michael Jordan,” McIlroy shared when asked if any notable figures had contacted him. “Two of the most unbelievable competitors that have ever been in sport. MJ was maybe the first person to text me after I missed the putt on the 18th, but both of them got in touch very, very quickly. They just told me to keep going. MJ reminded me of how many game-winning shots he missed. Really nice.”

 

These messages played a crucial role in McIlroy’s quick recovery from the disappointment. As he gears up for The Open at Royal Troon this week, he remains determined not to let the US Open setback weigh him down.

 

“Was it a great opportunity to win a major? Absolutely,” McIlroy admitted. “It hurt, and in the moment, it was tough, terrible. But people would be surprised to see how quickly I got over it and moved on. I trust the people around me. I don’t need to go looking for external counsel. If the tournament ended after 68 holes, people would be calling me the best golfer in the world.”

 

With unwavering resilience and support from legendary athletes, McIlroy is ready to take on the next challenge, leaving the heartbreak of Pinehurst behind.