Rory McIlroy has commented for the first time since his US Open final-round heartbreak, tweeting that he will take a few weeks off 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 in 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 within four feet down the stretch as Bryson DeChambeau ultimately won the title by one stroke.
McIlroy posted on
“First of all, I would 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.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
A look back at the big misses that cost McIlroy his first major in 10 years during a dramatic final day of the US Open
“As I reflect on my week, I will regret some things during the tournament, mainly the 2 missed putts on 16 and 18 on the last day. But, as I always try to do, I will look at the positives of the week that outweigh by far the negative points.
“As I said at the start of the tournament, I feel closer than ever to winning my next major championship.
“The only word I would describe my career with is resilient. I have demonstrated my resilience time and time again over the past 17 years and I will do so again.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Paul McGinley thinks McIlroy’s drought in major golf tournaments is because he ‘didn’t take initiative,’ but Brandel Chamblee thinks it’s because his swing isn’t as good anymore than before.
“I’m going to take a few weeks off to process everything and prepare for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and the Open at Royal Troon. See you in Scotland.”
The former world number 1 now has 21 top-10 finishes in majors since his victory in 2014 at Valhalla, more than any other player over this period.
Get the best prices and book a round at one of over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland.
