McIlroy’s Late-Match Struggles Lead to Painful Defeat
Bryson DeChambeau dominated Pinehurst No. 2 for most of the 2024 U.S. Open, but it was Rory McIlroy who almost stole the show in the final round. McIlroy transformed a three-shot deficit into a lead, only to see it slip away in the last crucial moments.
McIlroy’s birdies on the 1st and 9th holes brought him into contention, setting up a dramatic back nine. For McIlroy, who hasn’t won a major since 2014, being in the hunt late on Sunday was a rare and pressure-filled experience.
As the putts started falling, it seemed like McIlroy was poised to end his decade-long major drought. A 22-foot birdie on the 12th and another birdie on the 13th, where he drove the green, gave him a two-shot lead over DeChambeau.
McIlroy continued to impress with his powerful drives, but a bogey on the 15th and a critical missed putt on the 16th from just 30 inches tied the score with DeChambeau. It was a moment that highlighted the cruel nature of golf and the fine line between victory and defeat.
Despite making par on the 17th, McIlroy found himself tied with DeChambeau at 6 under par with just one hole to play. The tension was palpable as both contenders navigated the final holes.
DeChambeau’s approach shot on the 17th landed within 20 feet of the hole, adding pressure on McIlroy, who stood on the 18th fairway. After a solid drive, McIlroy’s approach ended up in a sandy lie, and he pitched it to just under 4 feet.
The final putt, one that could have forced a playoff or even secured a win, missed. McIlroy’s three bogeys in the last four holes left him one shot behind DeChambeau.
In a dramatic turn, DeChambeau’s drive on the 18th landed under a magnolia tree. He managed to pitch out and then hit an extraordinary bunker shot to secure his par and the championship. As DeChambeau celebrated his victory, McIlroy quietly left the course, visibly devastated by the outcome.
The past decade has been a challenging one for McIlroy, both on and off the course. After feeling betrayed by the PGA Tour’s dealings with LIV Golf and personal struggles, including a brief separation from his wife, McIlroy seemed poised for a comeback. However, this latest loss was particularly painful because it was entirely within his control.
This defeat ranks among McIlroy’s most heartbreaking losses, alongside near-misses at the 2022 Open at St. Andrews and the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club. In previous losses, McIlroy could attribute the outcome to being outplayed. This time, the missed opportunities were squarely his own.
Leaving the course without speaking to the media, McIlroy’s exit underscored the emotional toll of the loss. While DeChambeau celebrated his win, McIlroy’s abrupt departure highlighted the stark contrast between triumph and defeat.
In the end, McIlroy’s failure to capitalize on his late lead will be a moment he reflects on deeply. For a golfer of his talent, the expectation to win remains high, making this loss another tough chapter in his storied career.
