Rory McIlroy has broken his silence following his US Open defeat and opened up about the “toughest day in 17 years”.
The 35-year-old from Northern Ireland came eerily close to ending his 10-year wait for a major title on Sunday.
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However, he made three bogeys with five holes remaining and lost his two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau.
McIlroy gave his opponent an unexpected lease of life after missing a par putt from four feet on the final hole and DeChambeau grabbed the opportunity with both hands to win the title.
Now the golfer, who just days ago called off his divorce from wife Erica Stoll, has released a statement about his crushing defeat to his ex.
He wrote: “Yesterday was a tough day, possibly the toughest in my almost 17 years as a professional golfer.”
“First of all, I want to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now. I think we can all agree on that.
“When I reflect on my week, I regret a few things that happened during the tournament, especially the two missed putts on the 16th and 18th on the final day.
“But, as I always try to do, I will focus on the positive aspects of the week which far outweigh the negatives.
“As I said at the beginning of the tournament, I feel closer than ever to winning my next major championship.
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“I would define my career in one word: resilience. I have shown my resilience time and again over the last 17 years and I will again.”
McIlroy said: “I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to understand everything and prepare myself for the Genesis Scottish Open and the Open at Royal Troon. See you in Scotland.”
Meanwhile, McIlroy was spotted with his wife for the first time since calling off their divorce.
McIlroy made a U-turn on divorce after the move came less than a month after he filed paperwork to separate from the mother of his three-year-old daughter.
On Monday, he was seen in Florida with his daughter.
Stoll was wearing her engagement ring, while her husband was wearing his wedding ring.
Balionis looks sensational in bikini, reminds her of McIlroy’s heartacheRory McIlroy’s career achievements
by Ian Tuckey
Rory McIlroy has spent more than 100 weeks at No. 1 in the world – and has won four majors and 40 tournaments to date.
Only all-time greats Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have matched his feat of winning one of the Big Four titles by the age of 25.
And after winning the US Open in 2011, the Northern Irishman also won the PGA Championship the following year – and added both Open and PGA crowns in 2014.
Here’s a look at the illustrious career of the 35-year-old, a five-time Ryder Cup winner, who was also a strong critic of the rival Saudi-backed LIV Tour:
- 2007 – Topped the World Amateur Rankings at age 17.
Turned professional in September.
Became the youngest affiliate member to receive a tour card in the history of the European Tour.
- 2009 – Reached world top 50.
- 2010 – Won his first PGA Tour title at the Quail Hollow Championship.
Made a winning start to the Ryder Cup.
Became the youngest player to reach $10 million in earnings on the PGA Tour.
- 2011 – Loses a four-stroke lead on the final day of the Masters in May.
But the following month he won his first major title – the US Open.
Named Player of the Year by Ireland’s main broadcaster RTE.
- 2012 – Won the PGA Championship.
Won the PGA Tour Player of the Year title and also achieved glory in the Ryder Cup.
- 2013 – Signs a huge sponsorship deal with Nike.
- 2014 – His best year yet in terms of majors.
Won the Open at Royal Liverpool.
He then won the first of two consecutive PGA Titles, defeating Phil Mickelson by one stroke.
Awarded RTE Sports Person of the Year for the second time.
Again helped Europe win the Ryder Cup.
- 2016 – Finishes the season by winning the Tour Championship, which puts him on top of the FedEx Cup standings and earns him a $10 million bonus pool.
Had to face defeat in the Ryder Cup.
- 2017 – Failed to win throughout the year.
But finished in the top 10 at the Masters, The Open, and 3 WGC events.
And when Nike withdrew the majority of their share from the golf market, they signed an £80 million deal with TaylorMade.
Rory McIlroy spotted with his wife Erica Stoll for the first time since divorce- 2018 – More Ryder Cup fun.
- 2020 Overtakes Brooks Koepka to become world No. 1
- 2021 – Lost the Ryder Cup.
- 2022 – Finished runner-up at the Masters and tied for third at the Open.
- 2023 – Helps Europe beat USA 16.5-11.5 in the Ryder Cup.
- 2024 – Struggles at start of season, finishes tied 22nd at the Masters.
But he then won two tournaments – the Zurich Classic (for his 25th PGA title) and the Wells Fargo Championship.
