Rory McIlroy opens up on his ‘uncomfortable’ US Open heartache as he plays highly-exclusive round with Jon Rahm ahead of return
Rory McIlroy has spoken out about his US Open heartbreak for the first time, admitting he felt uncomfortable amid the pressure from champion Bryson DeChambeau.
McIlroy will defend his Scottish Open title this week as he returns to golf following a month off after his collapse at Pinehurst.
The Northern Irishman held a two-shot lead with five holes to play but bogeyed three of the last four to let DeChambeau leapfrog him and claim major glory.
McIlroy’s wait to add to his four-strong major tally has gone on so far this year with the US Open proving a huge missed opportunity.
Speaking at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick, McIlroy has revealed all about his final day crumble, admitting he was too aware of DeChambeau’s charge in the tight surroundings of the intimate Pinehurst.
He said: "The way I'd describe Pinehurst on Sunday was - ‘it was a great day until it wasn't’.
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"I did things on that Sunday that I haven't been able to do the last couple of years, took control of the golf tournament, held putts when I needed to - well, mostly - made birdies and really got myself in there.
"It was a tough day, it was a tough few days after that but as you get further away from it happening you start to see the positives and all the good things you did throughout the week.
"There's learnings in there, too. I can vividly remember starting to feel a little uncomfortable waiting for my second putt on 16 and the putt on the last was a really tricky putt and I was very aware of where Bryson was off the tee.
"I knew I had to hit it really soft. If the one back didn't matter, I would have hit it firmer.
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"Knowing that Bryson had hit it left off the tee, I just sort of wanted to make sure that if there was still a chance at a play-off, that it was at least going to be that.
"I look back on that day just like I look back on some of the toughest moments in my career and I'll learn a lot from it and hopefully put that to good use.
"It's something that's been a bit of a theme throughout my career, I've been able to take those tough moments and turn them into great things not very long after that."
Meanwhile, McIlroy leapt to defence of his caddie Harry Diamond, who has came in for criticism from Tiger Woods' former coach Hank Haney and former PGA Tour player Smylie Kaufman recently.
"It's certainly unfair," the Northern Irishman said. "Hank Haney has never been in that position. Smylie has been in that position once.
"Just because Harry is not as vocal or loud with his words as other caddies, it doesn't mean that he doesn't say anything and that he doesn't do anything.
"I just wish that these guys that criticise when things don't go my way, they never say anything good when things do go my way.
"Someone said to me once if you would never take advice from these people, you would never take their criticisms, either. Certainly wouldn't go to Hank Haney for advice. I love Smylie, but I think I know what I'm doing, and so does Harry."
McIlroy will have fond memories of The Renaissance Club as he returns to action at the Scottish Open this week.
He claimed the prestigious title in 2023 and will be looking for another big week ahead of the upcoming 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon.
Prior to his comeback on the links, McIlroy has enjoyed a special one-off round at the exclusive pro-member event at Queenwood Golf Club in Surrey.
McIlroy warmed up for the important back-to-back weeks in Scotland alongside former Ryder Cup teammates Jon Rahm and Ian Poulter.
The highly-exclusive club host the one-day Queenwood Cup each year and McIlroy previously carded a nine-under 63 before The Open at Royal Portrush in 2019.
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He did go on to miss the cut at Portrush that year…
But McIlroy will hope a return to British soil will bring the positive vibes back as he looks to finally claim major glory again at Troon next week.