There was more disappointment for Rory McIlroy at the Olympics as despite a brilliant final round of 66 he missed out on the podium, finishing fifth.
McIlroy wasn't in contention at the start of his round but a magnificent run of 5 birdies in a row brought him right back into the mix and was one shot off the lead heading into the final few holes.
However a nightmare on 15 saw him score a double-bogey which all but took him out of the running at Le Golf National as he finished four shots off winner Scottie Scheffler
Sheffler shot a course record 62 to finish on -19 and win Olympic Gold as Tommy Fleetwood was one shot behind in the silver medal position and Hideki Matsuyama won bronze with a score of -17, two shots ahead of McIlroy.
4 August 2024; Rory McIlroy of Team Ireland reacts after a double-bogey on the 15th hole during the men's individual stroke play final round at Le Golf National during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
It's yet another disappointment for McIlroy who in recent times has been a regular in the top-10 of leaderboards in majors but a fifth major title still eludes him.
He's had 11 top-10 finishes in majors since 2020 but hasn't been able to go just that step further and win.
After his final round at Le Golf National Rory McIlroy spoke with reporters about the pressure of being so close to winning but ultimately coming up short.
Yeah, I was saying up there, I feel like I've been golf's Nearly Man for the last three years. I obviously want that tide to turn and go from the Nearly Man to back to winning golf tournaments. It's all well and good saying I'm close and close and close. Once I actually step through the threshold and turn these near misses and close calls into wins, that's what I need to do.
While his record is objectively brilliant, someone as good as McIlroy needs to be winning more big events.
He's one of the most talented golfers of his generation and to not have won a major in over a decade is a travesty for someone as good as he is. Hopefully He can finally turn the tide next year and be a winner once again.
