‘Toughest day of my career’ – Rory McIlroy speaks for the first time since heart-breaking US Open defeat

Rory McIlroy has admitted that his US Open defeat was ‘probably the toughest’ day of his golfing career.

The Northern Irishman suffered heartbreak on Sunday in Pinehurst, North Carolina as he lost out to Bryson DeChambeau despite having an encouraging lead.

2

McIlroy fell short on the final day of the US OpenCredit: GettyMcIlroy led with five holes left to play but fell at the final hurdle to see his ten-year wait for a major title go on even longer.

Taking to X the following day, he said: “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.

“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now. I think we can all agree on that.

“As I reflect on my week, I’ll rue a few things over the course of the tournament, mostly the two missed putts on 16 and 18 on the final day. But, as I always try to do, I’ll look at the positives of the week that far outweigh the negatives.

READ MORE ON RORY MCILROY”As I said at the start of the tournament, I feel closer to winning my next major championship than I ever have. The one word that I would describe my career as is resilient. I’ve shown my resilience over and over again in the last 17 years and I will again.

“I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defence of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon. See you in Scotland.”

McIlroy’s last major win came at the PGA Championship in 2014, the fourth of his career.

He has now finished second at a major for the fourth time since then though, with his latest shortcoming occurring in cruel fashion.

2

He has released an emotional message, insisting he will remain resilientCredit: GettyDeChambeau edged him by just the one stroke but it still proved to be enough as he finished six under par.

The American, who now has now won two US Open titles, praised his opponent McIlroy after when he said: “Rory is one of the best to ever play.

EXCLUSIVE: Colin Montgomerie discusses Rory McIlroy’s heartbreaking loss in the US Open to Bryson DeChambeau

“Being able to fight against a great like that is pretty special. For him to miss that putt [on 18], I’d never wish it on anybody. Luckily, things went my way.”

Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie spoke to talkSPORT on Monday about McIlroy’s heartache, saying: “I fear for him after that.

“He gave away a major and that’s going to hurt. It hurts us all. Here’s me talking to you about 2006 at Winged Foot and it hurts me to talk about it.

“That wasn’t yesterday. That was 18 years ago. Rory’s was about 18 minutes ago. It’s going to hurt more because he really wants that fifth major.

Most read in Golf

“If he did get five, you could see six coming very quickly. Can you see five coming now? It will be difficult.”