Rory McIlroy’s Heartbreaking US Open Collapse: What Went Wrong?
Rory McIlroy’s Heartbreaking US Open Collapse: What Went Wrong?
The inquest into Rory McIlroy’s catastrophic final round at the US Open shows no signs of slowing down, and with the Open Championship just weeks away, the scrutiny is only intensifying.
McIlroy, who has been chasing his fifth major for a decade, seemed poised to finally end his drought. Entering the final stretch on Sunday, the 35-year-old Northern Irishman held a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau.
What followed was a collapse that left the golf world in shock. McIlroy bogeyed three of the last four holes, including missing two putts within five feet. This meltdown saw him finish one shot behind DeChambeau, who clinched the victory.
For the neutral observer, McIlroy’s unraveling provided one of the most dramatic finishes to a major tournament in recent memory. But for McIlroy’s fans, it was a devastating and almost unimaginable end to what had seemed like a certain triumph.
Critics have zeroed in on the 15th hole as the moment McIlroy’s round began to fall apart. Opting for a 7-iron, McIlroy overshot the green and was left scrambling for a par, which he failed to secure.
In the aftermath, McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, has faced intense scrutiny. Diamond’s decision-making, particularly the choice to use a driver on the 18th hole, has been widely questioned.
Adding to the criticism, Tiger Woods’ former coach, Hank Haney, has voiced his concerns over McIlroy’s club choices. Haney, a seasoned 68-year-old coach, believes that a different caddie might have prevented such questionable decisions.
As McIlroy prepares for the Open Championship, the debate over his final round at the US Open continues to rage. Can he overcome this setback and finally claim his fifth major, or will this haunting collapse linger over his career? The next few weeks promise to be crucial for one of golf’s most talented players.
