Rory McIlroy: Optimistic After US Open Near-Miss

Rory McIlroy reflected deeply on his near-miss at the US Open as he wandered New York’s High Line. Missing two short putts in the final four holes cost him the title he seemed destined to win. McIlroy admitted, “I did things on that Sunday that I haven’t been able to do in the last couple years,” highlighting his strong performance until the final holes.

A missed three-foot par putt on the 16th hole and a missed longer putt on the 18th led to a one-shot defeat by Bryson DeChambeau. After the tournament, McIlroy sought solace in Manhattan, enjoying anonymity and reflecting on his performance. He acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining focus under pressure, saying, “I had to wait awhile to hit that second putt… it’s hard not to either start thinking about the future or notice what’s happening around you.”

Despite the heartbreak, Rory McIlroy remains optimistic as he looks ahead to The Open at Royal Troon, viewing it as “another opportunity” rather than a redemptive mission. He aims to handle pressure better than he did at Pinehurst, maintaining confidence in his game. Despite external criticism, he stands by his team, particularly his caddie Harry Diamond.

Critics, including Hank Haney and Smylie Kaufman, questioned Diamond’s role during McIlroy’s collapse, but McIlroy defended his caddie, dismissing the criticisms. “If you would never take advice from these people, you would never take their criticisms, either,” he stated. Rory McIlroy focuses on overcoming challenges as he prepares to defend his Genesis Scottish Open title.

Royal Troon presents his next major test, where he aims to secure another significant victory. His fans hope he ends his nearly decade-long major title drought by winning a fifth crown. They believe his strong performance at the US Open shows he has what it takes to win again.