Rory McIlroy has experienced some massive disappointments in major championships in recent years, but you get the sense that last night's final round at the US Open might well be the most damaging of the lot.
The 35-year old held a two-shot lead with five holes to play at Pinehurst, only to make a number of questionable decisions during the closing stretch of the tournament. He would record three bogeys in his final four holes, a run which also included missing a pair of putts from inside four feet.
In the end, he would finish one shot behind winner Bryson DeChambeau.
READ HERE: Shane Lowry Proud To Bounce Back From 'Lowest Point' In Career With Strong US Open Finish
Paul McGinley discusses Rory McIlroy & his major issues
Rory McIlroy has now gone a decade without winning a major, having experienced a number of close misses over the last few years. The way in which he repeatedly comes up short when in contention on Sunday has to be a huge concern for the player.
Speaking on the Golf Channel last night, Paul McGinley said it was obvious that some sort of mental block had stopped McIlroy from getting over the line in the biggest tournaments.
He has had chances to win three majors in the last two years. He hasn't lost them because his swing deserted him, he lost them because his putting went slow and when he had opportunities he didn't seize initiative...
He knows how to do it, there is enough golf game to run off into the sunset and win tournaments. The difference in major championships is that when the initiative is presented to him, he doesn't run off.
The initiative was presented to him today on the back of 13 when he made that birdie to go two shots ahead. He played 14 really poorly, he played 15 really poorly, he played 16, 17, and 18 really poorly.
That was the period of time to run off into the distance. That's not just because he lost his swing, mentally he got on the precipice of winning this tournament and instead of driving over the line, he hesitated.
If you hesitate with guys like Bryson around you, who plays with fearlessness, you've got a problem...
That's what I think is the issue...
He underperforms in the heat of battle. The first three days he gets in position every single time and doesn't close the door.
The reason he hasn't won majors is not because his game deserts him on Sunday, it's because he lacks confidence to drive over the line like he does in PGA Tour events.
That's the difference.
Rory McIlroy will have another chance to end his major drought next month, with The Open set to take place at Royal Troon.
However, he will do well to recover from the mental scars developed last night in time for that tournament.
SEE ALSO: "I'd Never Wish It On Anybody" - Bryson DeChambeau Pays Heartfelt Tribute To Rory McIlroy
