Rory McIlroy suffers major heartbreak as late disaster hands US Open to an emotional Bryson DeChambeau
Rory McIlroy blew his chance of winning the US Open in devastating fashion to extend his 10-year wait for a major.
McIlroy, who began Sunday three strokes behind winner Bryson DeChambeau, lost a tense final-round battle at Pinehurst after making three bogeys in his final four holes.
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McIlroy had led with five holes to play, turning a three-shot overnight deficit to the American into a two-shot lead.
But just as the Nothern Irishman seemed poised to end his long wait for a fifth major title, he came unstuck - missing par putts within three feet at the 16th and 18th.
“I love the test that Pinehurst is presenting, and you’ve got to focus and concentrate on every single shot out there,” McIlroy had said entering Sunday. “It’s what a US Open should be like. It’s obviously great to be in the mix.”
But McIlroy couldn't back up those bold words in the final round, and appeared to wilt on the 18th hole as he missed a simple putt that would have given him a tie for the lead before DeChambeau headed down the last.
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McIlroy displayed a pained look on his face as he exited the last green.
He was then forced to watch a TV in the clubhouse as DeChambeau finished the jog and wildly celebrated before becoming emotional in a live interview.
"Unfortunately my dad passed a couple years ago and this one's for him," DeChambeau said.
He also paid tribute to Payne Stewart.
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"That's Payne right there, baby," said DeChambeau, holding up his hat for a TV camera.
DeChambeau (6-under) ultimately edged McIlroy by just one stroke after a clutch up-and-down on the 18th green.
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A stunned McIlroy instantly knew that two short misses cost him the title at a tough Pinehurst that challenged golfers for four consecutive days.
McIlroy's last major win is still the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Heading into the 2024 majors run, McIlroy was adamant that a breakthrough was near.
After DeChambeau rolled through the third round, McIlroy turned all his experience into a late lead on Sunday.
But McIlroy missed what should have been simple putts on 16 and 18, giving DeChambeau back the advantage.
"The biggest miss of his life," one fan tweeted.
"Simply excruciating," a second fan posted.
"Biggest choker in majors," a third fan wrote.
DeChambeau, an LIV Tour golfer and new fan favorite, then did what McIlroy couldn't on the final hole.
After McIlroy failed to putt for par on 18, DeChambeau dug out of the rough - hitting a shot while crouching under a large tree limb - before then chipping one of the shots of his life from the bunker to set up glory.
The hard-swinging United States golfer from Texas started the final round by stealing a glance at the US Open trophy.
"There he is, DeChambeau," an announcer said. "The man of the moment. ... He takes a little look at that US Open trophy."
DeChambeau ended it by edging a heartbroken McIlroy by one huge stroke to become a two-time US Open champion.
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It was his time to celebrate.
There was only more heartbreak for McIlroy, who is becoming synonymous with painful major losses, even when he's only a few feet away from a trophy.
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