In the aftermath of his disappointing finish at the U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy sought solace by wandering the streets of Manhattan and the High Line, trying to come to terms with his performance at Pinehurst.
McIlroy, 35, had faltered in the final holes at Pinehurst, missing crucial putts that cost him the lead to Bryson DeChambeau. The Northern Irishman withdrew from the following tournament and only spoke about his defeat at the Scottish Open press conference.
“It was a great day until it wasn’t,” McIlroy reflected.
During the U.S. Open, McIlroy felt he was back to his major-championship form, making key putts and controlling the tournament until the 15th hole. He admitted to feeling uneasy before crucial putts, influenced by DeChambeau’s performance in the group behind him.
On the 16th hole, McIlroy missed a pivotal putt, and on the 18th, a missed par putt dashed his chances of forcing a playoff. Despite these setbacks, McIlroy found moments of learning and growth in the experience.
Following his withdrawal from the Travelers Championship, McIlroy spent time in Manhattan reflecting on the tournament and planning for the future. He expressed a positive outlook, drawing on past challenges as motivation for future success.
When asked about not speaking to the media immediately after the U.S. Open, McIlroy humorously brushed it off, emphasizing that his focus was elsewhere in that moment.
(Top photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
