The last round of this year's US Open on Sunday night at Pinehurst was one to forget for Rory McIlroy.
The Northern Irishmen led the major by two shots coming into the last five holes, but bogeys on the 15th, 16th, and 18th holes meant that Bryson DeChambeau captured his second US Open title by one shot.
DeChambeau himself avoided disaster by beautifully chipping a shot out of the bunker on the 18th hole to then make a short putt to par the hole and take home the major title.
Léigh an scéal seo trí Ghaeilge ar Liathróidí.ie brúigh anseo.
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
The heartbreaking late collapse means that it is now a decade since McIlroy has won a major, with the last on being the 2014 PGA Championship.
Many in the golfing world were quick to show their sympathies for McIlroy after a difficult final few holes, including DeChambeau who said he wouldn't wish what happened to McIlroy "on anybody".
Shane Lowry pleads for people to be kind to McIlroy
Fellow Irish golfer Shane Lowry was another person who has publicly come out in support of McIlroy. In an Instagram post late Monday night, he pleaded with fans to be kind to McIlroy after going through something that "is as tough as it gets" in golf.
"From the outside looking in… this game is easy. But in reality it’s the worst game of all. We are very fortunate to get what we do from this game but over the last 24 hours it’s hit me. We do it for not only ourselves but for our family, friends and fans.
"What Rory has gone through is as tough as it gets in our game but I would like to encourage people if anything please be kind."
Lowry and McIlroy have shared a strong and close friendship for a number of years now, with the two teaming up to win the Zurich Classic back in April. The pair would take to the stage to perform Journey's Don't Stop Believing.
JUST A SMALL TOWN GIRL pic.twitter.com/NefSbCQjAk
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 29, 2024
McIlroy released an emotional statement in the aftermath of the US Open, detailing that he feels as close as ever to next major title while crediting his resilience to the career he has had. McIlroy will also be taking a brief break from golf in preparation for The Open in July.
“As I said at the start of the tournament, I feel closer to winning my next major championship than I ever have. The one word that I would describe my career as is resilient. I've shown my resilience over and over again in the last 17 years and I will again.
"I'm going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon. See you in Scotland."
