Rory McIlroy's major tournament drought continues. He was so close to finally ending his lengthy absence from the top of the podium in a grand slam event on Sunday, but he faltered in the most crucial holes in the last round of the 2024 U.S. Open. As a result, McIlroy ended up second while Bryson DeChambeau topped the field.
Another close call for McIlroy is a painful conclusion for the Northern Irishman and is perhaps a reason why he decided not to field any questions from reporters after the tournament at Pinehurst No. 2. To many, leaving reporters in the dust and not entertaining the media even after such a devastating loss isn't a good look for any personality, but for golf personality Paige Spiranac, she fully understands why some athletes do it.
“Hot take but I don’t care when athletes do this. He gave us everything he had on the course and gave us such an entertaining day. I feel for Rory right now and can’t even imagine how he’s feeling. Cut him a break,” Spiranac posted on X (the social media app formerly known as Twitter) along with a repost of McIlroy leaving in a car after the US Open.
McIlroy could have forced a playoff with DeChambeau had he only shot one stroke better. But he could have also been better than DeChambeau by multiple strokes if he he managed to get it together in the final few holes of the tournament. McIlroy carded a 1-under 70 in the fourth round to finish the tournament 5-under 275. DeChambeau, on the other hand, was 1-over 70 in the fourth round but was 6-under 274 overall. McIlroy, who last won a major in 2014, was still very much in the hunt for the U.S. Open title with few holes to go in the final round. However, he had a bogey in three of the last four holes, including a brutal miss on a putt try on the 18th hole.
DeChambeau responded to McIlroy's miss with a par on the final hole of the tournament to score his second U.S. Open title — and also his second major overall.
Social media reactions to Rory McIlroy declining interviews
Fans appear to have mixed reactions to Spiranac's take and McIlroy's post-US Open action.
“Yeah, no biggie. He’s obviously upset with his play today… He has every right to be done and not want to talk”
“I disagree, a TRUE competitor will show their face good or bad outcome… It's part of the game, and in all of American Sports!”
“He is allowed to, he is under no contracts to provide anyone anything. Unlike a contract with liv to put on a party and spray phoney champagne 🍾”
“Well said Paige. He gave it his all and unfortunately was a heartbreaking loss. Anyone in Rory’s position would be devastated and need time to digest, reflect, and move forward.”
“No doubt he’ll congratulate Bryson later. This wasn’t the time. Woulda been just for show and too soon to be sincere. No doubt Rory is a good dude. Cares too much.”
“Very tough to answer an hour long session of “why did you choke Rory “. But contrast it to Greg Norman interview after blowing 6 shot lead at Augusta.”
“It's a heartbreaking loss. I wish Rory had stayed for a quick interview. I think it would have made his healing easier, and his classy response would have been part of the story.”
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