PINEHURST, N.C. — Rory McIlroy found himself with the chance to break a decade-long drought in the majors and answer questions about his ability to succeed but ultimately missed two short putts on Sunday, leaving him disappointed as he drove away.
McIlroy finished with a 69, ending the championship at 5 under, and watched Bryson DeChambeau finish behind him on TV in the scoring room. DeChambeau, known for his big hits, managed to get it done around the green, making a crucial par putt from a bunker near the 18th green to secure a one-shot victory with a final round 71.
“Rory is one of the best in the game. Competing against a player like him is special,” DeChambeau said. “I never wish for anyone to miss a putt like that. It just happened that way.”
After the loss, McIlroy wasted no time and swiftly left the premises without speaking to the media, driving away in his SUV loaded with clubs.
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His silence spoke volumes about the weight of the loss.
“We are all human at the end of the day,” said Matthieu Pavon, who finished fifth. “Rory is a true champion, one of the best in the world. The pressure can get to you but I’m sure he will bounce back soon.”
Moments that McIlroy will regret came at the par-4 16th hole where he missed a short putt and later at the 18th where another short miss cost him the championship. These missed putts proved to be the turning points in the match.
McIlroy has had close calls in the majors in recent years but the pressure to secure another major title grows with each miss. Despite his strong performance at Pinehurst, the elusive major victory continues to evade him.
The competition between McIlroy and DeChambeau was intense, with both players displaying their skills on the challenging course. While McIlroy excelled off the tee, it was his performance on the greens that cost him the championship.
Although McIlroy’s disappointment was evident, DeChambeau commended his rival’s talent and expressed confidence in McIlroy’s future success in major championships.
