Rory McIlroy withdraws from Travelers Championship

Rory McIlroy withdraws from Travelers Championship

Rory McIlroy Withdraws from Travelers Championship Following Heartbreaking U.S. Open Finish

In a surprising turn of events, Rory McIlroy has announced his withdrawal from the Travelers Championship, opting to take a break after a heartbreaking runner-up finish at the U.S. Open. The Northern Irishman, who has consistently been a top contender, finished second in what marked his 11th top-five finish in a major since his last victory at the 2014 PGA Championship.

Reflecting on his near miss at Pinehurst No. 2, McIlroy took to Instagram on Monday, describing the experience as “probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.” He congratulated winner Bryson DeChambeau and lamented his missed opportunities, particularly the two missed putts on the 16th and 18th holes on the final day that could have altered the outcome. Despite the disappointment, McIlroy emphasized the positives, stating his intention to “process everything and build myself back up” for upcoming tournaments.

The missed putts from inside 4 feet on the final three holes allowed DeChambeau to clinch his second U.S. Open title with a challenging up-and-down par on the 18th. McIlroy, finishing just a shot behind, continues to grapple with a decade-long drought in major victories, a source of significant frustration for the 35-year-old golfer.

In McIlroy’s absence, the Travelers Championship field remains robust, featuring world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who has already secured five victories this season, along with other top contenders such as Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Åberg, Collin Morikawa, Patrick Cantlay, Sahith Theegala, Max Homa, and Wyndham Clark. Northeast native Keegan Bradley, who won last year’s event, will also be present to defend his title at the final Signature Event of the 2024 PGA TOUR season, the only TOUR event in Connecticut (Hartford).

McIlroy has a notable track record at TPC River Highlands, with top-20 finishes in all five of his starts, including a best-ever finish of T7 last year. His career average score at the birdie-friendly course is an impressive 67.15 over 20 rounds. However, the decision to withdraw underscores the emotional and physical toll of his recent performances.

The past few months have been particularly active for McIlroy, who has moved up to FedExCup No. 3 and world No. 2 following his runner-up finish at the U.S. Open. He is currently on a streak of six straight top-15 finishes, including victories at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans (with partner Shane Lowry) and the Wells Fargo Championship, where he secured his fourth victory in that event.

Looking ahead, McIlroy will be the defending champion at next month’s Genesis Scottish Open, which he won in thrilling fashion last summer by making an unlikely birdie on the final hole to edge out hometown favorite Robert MacIntyre. Following the Genesis Scottish Open, McIlroy will compete in The Open Championship at Royal Troon.

As McIlroy takes this time to regroup, golf fans eagerly anticipate his return to the course in Scotland, hopeful that he will continue to showcase the resilience and skill that have defined his illustrious career.