Rory McIlroy talks about the U.S Open at Pinehurst for the first time. 💬

Rory McIlroy’s Jaw-Dropping Admission on US Open Heartbreak

In a shocking revelation ahead of the Scottish Open, Rory McIlroy finally opened up about the dramatic missed putt on the 72nd hole that dashed his hopes at the 2024 US Open. The 35-year-old golfer, known for his composed demeanor on the course, divulged the internal struggle that led to his heartbreaking miss from inside three feet at Pinehurst No. 2, an event that has since stirred endless debates among fans and critics alike.

 

McIlroy, breaking his silence after the devastating end to his US Open campaign, took a strong stand in defending his caddie, Harry Diamond, against a wave of criticism. The four-time major champion, known for his candidness, did not hold back during his news conference. “I think I know what I’m doing,” he stated firmly, dismissing the advice of Tiger Woods’ controversial ex-coach Hank Haney. His words were not just a defense but a declaration of his confidence and experience in the high-stakes world of professional golf.

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Reflecting on the climactic moments of the tournament, McIlroy described the final round as “a great day until it wasn’t.” He elaborated, sharing insights into his mindset and performance that day. “I did things on that Sunday that I haven’t been able to do in the last couple years,” he said, highlighting his ability to control the tournament, sink crucial putts, and make decisive birdies. However, his momentum was shattered on the par-three 15th hole, where he missed a putt from inside three feet—a distance he had flawlessly conquered 496 times that season.

 

The unraveling continued on the 16th hole with a bogey, and on the 17th, McIlroy narrowly escaped with a par after a wayward tee shot landed in the left trap. The final blow came on the 18th hole. With Bryson DeChambeau closing in, McIlroy’s nerves got the best of him, leading to another missed putt from less than four feet and a final bogey.

 

Jon Rahm, McIlroy’s Ryder Cup teammate, provided a perspective that the TV cameras missed. He emphasized the treacherous nature of the knee-knocker, suggesting that a miss on the high side could have sent McIlroy’s ball rolling off the green. This context added another layer of complexity to McIlroy’s ordeal. McIlroy himself acknowledged the difficulty, describing his mental battle on the green. “I was sort of in two minds,” he admitted. Unsure whether DeChambeau would par or not, McIlroy aimed to ensure his putt didn’t go too far past the hole, a miscalculation that led to his eventual miss.

 

The Northern Irishman further dissected the situation, explaining the precarious conditions around the hole. “I just left it on the wrong side of the hole,” he recounted. The area was dry and crusty, causing his chip shot to run past the hole, leaving him with a challenging three or four-footer. “I hit that putt very, very easy, and obviously just missed on the low side,” he lamented, acknowledging the putt still rolled a considerable distance past the hole despite his gentle touch.

 

In a revealing moment, McIlroy contrasted his approach to match play versus stroke play, hinting that the pressure of DeChambeau’s looming presence altered his strategy. “If it was match play and the next one didn’t matter I would have approached the putt differently,” he confessed. His decision to play it safe, ensuring he had a chance at a playoff, ultimately backfired.

 

McIlroy concluded his reflection by admitting that he had been overly focused on DeChambeau’s performance rather than his own game. “It sort of got me out of my own little world a little bit,” he said. This distraction, a recurring theme in his career, had once again impacted his performance. Yet, McIlroy remained optimistic, expressing his resilience in overcoming tough moments and transforming them into future successes.

 

This candid revelation from McIlroy provides a rare glimpse into the psychological battles faced by elite athletes. His detailed account of the missed putt not only adds depth to his persona but also underscores the relentless pressure and intricate dynamics of professional golf. As McIlroy looks ahead to future tournaments, fans and critics alike will undoubtedly watch with bated breath, awaiting the next chapter in his illustrious career.