Rory McIlroy’s Swift Exit from US Open: Fresh Wounds on Old Scars

Rory McIlroy’s Swift Exit from US Open: Fresh Wounds on Old Scars

The 18th green at Pinehurst No. 2 erupted in noise, a stark contrast to the silence in the nearby car park reserved for past champions. Among the parking spots, a sign simply read: “US Open Champion Rory McIlroy 2011.” But the space in front was empty. McIlroy, having suffered a late collapse, would not add a 2024 title to his name, leaving the honor to Bryson DeChambeau.

McIlroy’s hasty departure after his stumble in the 124th US Open was telling. Packing his Lexus swiftly, he headed to his Lear jet at Moore County airfield, bound for Florida. His rapid exit mirrored the mix of sympathy and disbelief among spectators and players alike. McIlroy, too heartbroken to face the media, chose silence. No interviews, no statements, just a quiet retreat.

This loss was another chapter in a decade-long struggle since his last major victory at the 2014 US PGA at Valhalla. McIlroy, with immense talent, continues to seek redemption, aiming to surpass legends like Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo in major wins. Yet, as Nick Faldo suggested, this defeat might haunt him forever.

In the past, McIlroy has shown resilience, bouncing back from setbacks like his 2011 Masters collapse to win the US Open at Congressional just two months later. That period of rapid success, including his 2012 US PGA and 2014 British Open wins, now feels distant, with his major drought extending a full decade.

McIlroy’s performance at Pinehurst, his 37th major appearance since his last victory, highlighted his persistent efforts. Starting the final round three shots behind DeChambeau and moving two strokes ahead with five holes left, he faltered with missed putts on the 16th and 18th holes. Paul McGinley, commenting for Sky and the Golf Channel, attributed McIlroy’s downfall to a “drop in focus” under pressure.

Late Monday night, McIlroy withdrew from the Travelers Championship in Hartford, Connecticut, a significant event with a $20 million purse. Reflecting on his week, he admitted the day had been the toughest in his 17-year professional career. “I’ll rue a few things over the course of the tournament, mostly the missed putts on 16 and 18 on the final day,” he wrote on social media.

Despite the setback, McIlroy looks ahead to future opportunities, with the 152nd Open at Royal Troon next month. His journey continues, driven by a desire to heal old wounds and write new chapters of triumph.