Rory McIlroy is going to face the music after his quick exit at the 124th U.S. Open Sunday.
Following a late collapse that saw him blow a two shot lead with five holes to play, McIlroy bolted from the grounds at Pinehurst No. 2. He opted not to address the media in any capacity, drawing the ire from a number of fans.
However, the four-time major champion is slated to speak to the media Wednesday following the Travelers Championship Pro-Am. McIlroy will most certainly have some difficult questions to answer.
It is understandable why he chose not to hang around. NBC kept cameras rolling on the Northern Irishman as he waited to see how Bryson DeChambeau's 18th hole played out. You could see the nervousness and frustration boiling over.
After all, the tragic meltdown is squarely on McIlroy's shoulders.
Yes, DeChambeau made an all-time up and down on 18 to save par and win the U.S. Open. But that should not have been enough.
McIlroy missed a two-and-a-half foot par putt on 16. It was the first time all year he missed a putt that short, according to The Athletic's Justin Ray. He was 496 for 496 previously this season. To make matters worse, he then missed a four-foot par putt on 18.
Granted, it was a tricky downhill putt with some break. But it is still a putt you have to make. It appeared as though the future Hall of Fame golfer buckled under pressure, badly.
Needless to say, it was a bad look to then bounce from the course without addressing the loss.
He will have had a few days to reflect on what is likely the most soul-crushing of all of his major losses. It will be very interesting to see what he has to say.
Rory McIlroy Major Drought
It has been 10 years since McIlroy won a major championship. His last win came at the 2014 PGA Championship. It was believed at that time by most that he was on track to becoming an all-time legend.
In order to do that, you need to rack up majors.
Rory McIlroy has been so incredibly close a number of times, including 17 top-10 finishes. But it has been the U.S. Open specifically where he has had the best opportunities to end the drought.
From 2019 through 2023, McIlroy got closer and closer, finishing T9, T8, T7, T5 and solo second, respectively. He actually became the first golfer in history to finish solo second in back to back years at the U.S. Open Sunday.
But this one must hurt the most. The trophy was nearly within his grasp. Instead, the elusive fifth major title will remain sought after.
His next chance is in 25 days at The Open.
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