Rory McIlroy’s post on X: “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer
Rory McIlroy’s post on X: “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer… I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything”
Rory McIlroy watches on heartbroken as Bryson DeChambeau putts to win the US Open
Rory McIlroy has commented for the first time since his US Open final-round heartbreak, tweeting he will take a few weeks away from the game after his ‘toughest day as a professional golfer’.
McIlroy bogeyed three of his final four holes at Pinehurst No 2 on Sunday as he finished second at a major for the fourth time since winning the PGA Championship in 2014.
Having led by two shots at one point, McIlroy missed two par putts from inside four feet over the closing stretch as Bryson DeChambeau ultimately claimed the title by one stroke.
McIlroy posted on X on Monday evening: “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.
“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now. I think we can all agree on that.
A look back at the big misses that cost McIlroy a first major in 10 years on a dramatic final day of the US Open
“As I reflect on my week, I’ll rue a few things over the course of the tournament, mostly the 2 missed putts on 16 and 18 on the final day. But, as I always try to do, I’ll look at the positives of the week that far outweigh the negatives.
“As I said at the start of the tournament, I feel closer to winning my next major championship than I ever have.
“The one word that I would describe my career as is resilient. I’ve shown my resilience over and over again in the last 17 years and I will again.
Nick Faldo and Wayne Riley were baffled by some of the decisions Rory McIlroy was making towards the end of his final round of the US Open, which he lost by one shot to Bryson DeChambeau
“I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defence of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon. See you in Scotland.”
Shane Lowry, who finished 19th at the US Open, added: “From the outside looking in… this game is easy. But in reality it’s the worst game of all. We are very fortunate to get what we do from this game but over the last 24 hours it’s hit me.
“We do it for not only ourselves but for our family, friends and fans. What Rory has gone through is as tough as it gets in our game but I would like to encourage people if anything please be kind.”
Mcllroy, the former world No 1, now has 21 top-10s in majors since his 2014 victory at Valhalla, which is more than any other player in that period.
The Scottish Open starts on Thursday July 11, live on Sky Sports, with The Open, also live on Sky Sports, taking place between Thursday July 18 and Sunday July 21.
“He’s had chances to win three majors in the last two years since St Andrews going up against Cameron Smith.
“He hasn’t lost them because his swing deserted him at the wrong time, he lost them because his putting went slow and when he had opportunities he didn’t seize the initiative.
