McIlroy’s painful miss at Pinehurst: A tale of agony and unfinished business

NORTH CAROLINA: Rory McIlroy’s long quest for a fifth major championship ended in heartbreak at Pinehurst Resort on Sunday. The usually composed Northern Irishman left the course abruptly, without speaking to the media, before Bryson DeChambeau was awarded the U.S. Open trophy. This unusual exit underscored the depth of his disappointment after a near miss that will be remembered as one of his most gut-wrenching defeats.

McIlroy appeared poised to break his decade-long drought in major championships. He started the final round three shots behind DeChambeau but surged into contention with a stunning stretch of four birdies in five holes. With a two-shot lead and five holes to play, McIlroy’s dream seemed within reach.

The unraveling began at the par-three 15th, where a bogey put a dent in his lead. A second consecutive bogey on the 16th, marked by his first missed par putt from inside three feet all season, compounded the pressure. The final blow came on the 18th hole. After missing the fairway, McIlroy’s approach left him just off the green. His chip rolled past the hole, and his par putt, from inside four feet, infamously lipped out.

As DeChambeau secured his par on the final hole to clinch victory, McIlroy, dejected, retreated to his car. His swift departure from Pinehurst highlighted the intensity of his frustration and the emotional toll of his close call.

DeChambeau, reflecting on McIlroy’s performance, expressed empathy and confidence in his rival’s future. “He’ll win multiple more major championships. There’s no doubt,” DeChambeau said. “I think that fire in him is going to continue to grow.”

McIlroy’s runner-up finish was his fourth in a major, and arguably the most agonizing, given how close he came to victory. His next opportunity to end his major drought will be at the British Open from July 18-21. Despite the setback, McIlroy remains a formidable competitor, driven by the highs and lows of his quest for greatness.

“The more you want it, the tougher it gets,” DeChambeau observed. “Maybe this is a little bit of pressure that got him today for sure, but Rory is just a massive champion. I’m sure he will fight back and really soon.”

As McIlroy looks ahead to the British Open, the sting of Pinehurst will linger, but it may also fuel his determination to reclaim his place at the pinnacle of golf.