Rory McIlroy was left gutted after a dramatic loss at the US Open title in Pinehurst No.2 on Sunday (June 16).
The golf star, 35, was tantalisingly close to ending his decade-long wait for a fifth major title. He had a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau with just five holes remaining, but three bogeys in his last four holes saw him miss out.
Two of those bogeys were particularly harsh, as he missed two short putts for par – including one on the 18th. His slip-ups allowed LIV Golf’s DeChambeau to swoop in and snatch victory by a single shot.
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As DeChambeau made a putt from around four feet to clinch the tournament, a disheartened McIlroy could only watch on. Once the ball found the hole, he turned back towards the locker room with his caddie.
The European Ryder Cup star looked ready to burst into tears after missing out on yet another major. Since his fourth major win at the 2014 US PGA Championship, McIlroy has come second or tied second at four major championships, reports the Mirror.
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(Image: Getty Images)
He’s been the runner-up in consecutive US Opens, and he’s managed 21 top-10 finishes at majors since his last victory on the biggest stage. Despite being one of the world’s best golfers, McIlroy just can’t seem to cross the finish line.
DeChambeau: “Well, first off I want to say happy father’s day to every father out there. Unfortunately my dad passed a couple of years ago and this one’s for him.
“Also to Payne Stewart, he was the reason I went to SMU (Southern Methodist University), he was the reason I wore the cap. Pony up, that’s right.
“I just can’t thank you guys enough for all the support this week. You guys have meant the world to me. You guys are the best fans in the world and I can’t thank you enough, what a group of people.”