Nick Faldo doesn’t hold back with 11-word statement on Rory McIlroy’s US Open nightmare
Sir Nick Faldo has admitted that Rory McIlroy will be forever haunted by his two devastating missed putts at the end of the US Open.
McIlroy's dream of clinching victory at the US Open seemed within reach until it cruelly slipped away through his two incredible misses on the 16th and 18th holes. Bryson DeChambeau began the day three shots in front but was overtaken by a surge from McIlroy, who notched four birdies in a five-hole stretch starting at the ninth, propelling him into a two-shot lead.
Despite leading by one with just three holes left, McIlroy's chances were dashed by two gut-wrenching missed putts, paving the way for DeChambeau to snatch his second US Open crown with a steady par on the 18th. The agonising defeat extends McIlroy's 10-year wait for a fifth major title.
Commentating for Sky Sports, Sir Nick Faldo perfectly summarised McIlroy's anguish after coming so close: "That's going to haunt Rory for the rest of his life, those two misses."
Faldo, who himself has six major titles, remarked: "It was an unbelievable finish. That was a four of all fours to finish from Bryson and the celebration of all celebrations!
"Rory will be broken-hearted, so I feel for him. He's going to be gutted, absolutely gutted."
Post-match, McIlroy chose not to address the press following the heartbreak at Pinehurst. On the flip side, a jubilant DeChambeau showed sportsmanship in his victory speech, offering words of consolation to McIlroy after such an emotionally charged end to the tournament.
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Bryson DeChambeau with the US Open trophy
"For him to miss that putt (on 18), I would never wish that on anybody," DeChambeau said. "I think that fire in him is only going to continue to grow. He's going to win more major championships.
"I have nothing but respect for how he plays the game of golf because, to be honest, when he was climbing up the leaderboard, he was two ahead, I was like, 'Uh-oh, uh-oh'. But luckily things went my way.
"I think that fire in him is only going to continue to grow. He's going to win more major championships."
DeChambeau clinched victory with a final score of six-under, despite a one-over on day four, and showed composure by sinking crucial par putts towards the end. Golf statistician Justin Ray pointed out the rarity of McIlroy's miss, noting his perfect record on putts within three feet this season until the 16th hole.
sir nick faldo
McIlroy's defeat was further sealed with a 3ft9in miss at the 18th, while DeChambeau managed to save par after a bunker shot. It secured DeChambeau's second major title, adding to his 2020 US Open victory.
Meanwhile, McIlroy will have a few weeks to overcome his disappointment before chasing a major title once again. The Open Championship is being held at Royal Troon and gets underway next month.
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