On the final day of the US Open at Pinehurst, North Carolina, Rory McIlroy's decade long hunt for a fifth major took a grim twist.
McIlroy had the 2024 US Open in his back pocket, only to bogey three of the final four holes. Two of the putts were three-footers, including a bogey on 18 that will be replayed over and over in the next few weeks.
A bogey on the 72nd hole for Rory McIlroy. pic.twitter.com/SGSelJlVZ0
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 16, 2024
After flirting with disaster over and over on the first 15 holes, DeChambeau stole the momentum back from McIlroy. After a poor drive on 18, he found himself in the bunker in front of the green. His shot from the sand was immaculate and he sank his putt to win the tournament.
Up-and-down from 55 yards for the @USOpenGolf title.
Bryson DeChambeau is now a two-time major champion 🏆 pic.twitter.com/wP91kSBXGa— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 16, 2024
Disaster for McIlroy at Pinehurst
Rory McIlroy was attempting to end his Major drought, battling it out with LIV Golfer Bryson DeChambeau.
Heading into the day, it looked like the American was in a great position to win the second US Open of his career as he went into the day with a three-shot lead at -7. ‘
However, the Irishman was like a man on a mission. From holes 9-13, McIlroy sank four birdies. Meanwhile Bryson wobbled and McIlroy found himself suddenly in the lead.
However that's when McIlroy when felt the pressure, and he immediately started giving shots back.
He bogeyed fifteen, then missed a three-footer on 16 for another bogey.
A stat popped up on the screen to say it was the first three-foot putt McIlroy had missed all season long, putting DeChambeau back into contention.
After a wayward drive on 18 left McIlroy in trouble, he appeared to set to save par thanks to a strong chip with his third shot.
But the par putt from five feet rimmed out. As Nick Faldo said, the putt will haunt him for all time.
He did not carry out media duties afterwards and drove off into the North Carolina evening.
No media for Rory McIlroy, as he loads up the car and quickly leaves the premises. pic.twitter.com/z9FzEoq0hB
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelGolf) June 16, 2024
Six minutes after DeChambeau makes winning putt Rory spins tires on way out of town. pic.twitter.com/bYEh3iM6E5
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) June 16, 2024
Shane Lowry, despite a challenging week, showed his resilience with a -1 round, finishing +4 for the tournament and tying 19th with Englishman Aaron Rai.
