A top USPGA official had to step in at the US Open on Sunday when Rory McIlroy was tailed into the locker rooms by a Netflix camera crew.
The Northern Irish golf ace, still reeling from his final hole meltdown at Pinehurst, watched as Bryson DeChambeau finished up, potentially snatching victory. McIlroy’s three-foot miss for bogey on the 18th left DeChambeau with just a par needed to win.
Despite a dodgy second shot landing him in a bunker far from the flag, DeChambeau nailed an incredible sand shot to set up a four-foot putt for the win. DeChambeau sunk it, extending McIlroy’s wait for another major title.
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But golf.com reports that his attempt to duck out unnoticed was foiled by Netflix’s crew. Allegedly, McIlroy and his entourage were pursued by a team wielding a camera and boom mic as he headed to the champions’ changing area of the Pinehurst clubhousea privilege from his 2011 victory, reports the Express.
While McIlroy was getting his gear together, USGA chief Mike Whan halted his post-tournament duties to step in. He questioned the security guards, “Do we want them in there? ” aiming to shield McIlroy’s privacy.
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Whan’s actions appeared to be considerate of the fact that McIlroy had just experienced a tough moment on the course and required some privacy. Shortly after, he gave a speech before DeChambeau was presented with the trophy.
McIlroy reportedly reappeared from the locker room a few minutes later, looking weary as he slung his bag over his shoulder. He was accompanied by caddie Harry Diamond and agent Sean O’Flaherty, with no words exchanged.
At one point, McIlroy had a two-shot lead during the final round, but things fell apart in the last three holes. However, he received comforting words from the man who relegated him to second place.
“Rory is one of the best to ever play and being able to fight against a great like that is pretty special,” said DeChambeau. “For him to miss that putt, I never would have wished it on anybody”
“It just happened to play out that way and he will win multiple more major championships. There is no doubt. I think that fire in him is going to continue to grow and I have nothing but respect for how he plays the game of golf.”