Rory McIlroy’s U.S. Open Collapse Leaves Fans in Unanimous Agreement
Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy hadn't missed a putt shorter than three feet in his last 496 attempts entering the 16th hole at Pinehurst No. 2 at the 2024 U.S. Open on Sunday.
One pull later, and McIlroy watched a two-and-a-half footer - and his lead over eventual champion Bryson DeChambeau - slide by the left edge for his first such miss all season.
It wouldn't get better for McIlroy, either.
Faced with a similar length putt on the 72nd hole of the championship, McIlroy's flatstick proved untrustworthy once again. Another short miss, one which resulted in a bogey, vaulted DeChambeau back to the top of the leaderboard - and this time for good.
The end result for McIlroy was a disappointing solo second-place finish.
Considering his stellar play throughout the week and the position he found himself in on Sunday, golf fans are convinced this may have been McIlroy's best shot at that elusive fifth major title.
"That was Rory’s best chance and he choked it away unbelievable," Matt said.
"That's brutal for Rory. By far his best chance to win one over the past 10 years," Jeff wrote.
"That was the best chance for rory to win a major and he’s bottled it man," Jase said.
"Two short missed putts may have just cost Rory his best chance in a decade," Mitch wrote.
McIlroy's last major victory came at the 2014 PGA Championship.
He'll look to break that streak at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon later this summer.
Rory McIlroy reacts on the eighteenth green during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports