Rory McIlroy blew US Open with excruciating end to 496-putt streak at worst possible time
Rory McIlroy finally looked set to end his 10-year for a fifth major championship at the U.S. Open this week, but the PGA Tour missed two short putts to lose out by one shot
Rory McIlroy ended a remarkable putting record at the worst possible time on Sunday as the Northern Irishman was defeated by Bryson DeChambeau by a single shot at the U.S. Open.
McIlroy was chasing down his first major championship in 10 years, having waited patiently to add win No. 5 to his major record. Heading into Sunday's final round, the 35-year-old had given himself a good chance to end this run, sitting three shots behind DeChambeau with 18 holes to play.
Nine holes later, McIlroy found himself even closer to his LIV Golf rival, having moved to within one of DeChambeau after shooting one-under-par across the first half of an epic final round in North Carolina.
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A huge momentum switch following the turn then saw McIlroy move two ahead, having kicked off his back nine with three birdies in four holes. Soon after however, the Northern Irishman was left ruing a short missed putt at the par-four 16th, after he saw an effort from inside three-feet miss the cup.
Remarkably this was McIlroy's first missed putt inside the three-feet mark this season, having holed all 496 previous attempts throughout 2024. The European star did manage to compose himself a hole later by making par at the 17th, but more misery was set to follow at his 72nd hole of the week.
After finding the rough down the left with his driver, McIlroy punched out his second shot to the front of the green, before playing a tidy chip onto the putting surface to leave him what appeared to be a safe look at par. Lightning for McIlroy struck twice though, as he once again missed from short range to fall to five-under for the week.
It means he has missed just two of 498 putts from inside four feet this season. And with both of them coming in the final three holes at the US Open, it could not have happened at a worse time.
This would cost him dearly, as DeChambeau made par in the final group despite also finding trouble in the native area. Having punched his second effort into a bunker, the LIV star then played a shot for the ages from the trap, leaving himself a short putt of his own.
DeChambeau dually obliged, rolling in his par putt to become U.S Open champion for a second time. It was no doubt a bitter pill to swallow for McIlroy, who watched on in disappointment whilst signing for his card. He quickly made an exit from the Pinehurst site, whilst DeChambeau's winner's ceremony took place.
DeChambeau had proven to be a fan favourite all week, and paid tribute to the North Carolina crowd in his victory speech. "You guys have meant the world to me," he said. "You are the best fans in the world, and I can't thank you enough. What a group of people."
Thanking those closest to him, he added: "To my team that's growing quite a bit and to my best friends and the people that I love the most, I'm surprised you're here -- not really surprised, but I can't thank you enough for being here. You guys mean the world to me. and I would not be here without you guys. I really appreciate it, team. Thank you, all."
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