Rory McIlroy Takes Golf Break After US Open Heartbreak

Rory McIlroy announced he will step away from golf following his dramatic collapse at the US Open, describing it as one of the toughest days of his career. The 35-year-old held a two-shot lead in pursuit of his fifth major title – and first since 2014 – before faltering with dropped shots at three of the last four holes. McIlroy’s late struggles allowed Bryson DeChambeau to seize victory and claim his second US Open title.

In a statement on his X account, Rory McIlroy congratulated DeChambeau but expressed regret over missed opportunities, including critical putts on the 16th and 18th holes. “Sunday was a challenging day, perhaps the most difficult in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer,” he wrote. Disappointed, McIlroy had left Pinehurst before DeChambeau received the trophy and did not speak to the media.

Reflecting on his performance, he acknowledged, “As I look back on my week, I will lament a few things, particularly those two missed putts on the final day at holes 16 and 18.” Six-time major champion Nick Faldo remarked that those missed opportunities would “linger with Rory for the rest of his life.” “I will focus on the positives of the week, which far outweigh the negatives,” McIlroy added.

“As I mentioned at the beginning of the tournament, I feel closer than ever to capturing my next major championship. If there’s one word to describe my career, it’s resilient. I’ve demonstrated resilience time and again over the past 17 years and I will do so again. I will take a few weeks off from the game to process everything and prepare myself for the defense of my titles at the Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon.”

The Scottish Open starts on July 11, followed by The Open the subsequent week.