Faldo Believes McIlroy's US Open Misses Will Haunt Him For Life

Rory McIlroy's missed opportunities at the U.S. Open could have long-lasting effects on his career, according to six-time major champion Nick Faldo. McIlroy seemed poised to end his decade-long major drought on the final day at Pinehurst, with four birdies in a five-hole stretch giving him a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau.

However, McIlroy's fortunes changed dramatically. He missed a crucial putt from less than three yards to save par on the 15th hole. Following that, he bogeyed the 16th hole but still shared the lead with DeChambeau as he approached the final hole.

On the 18th hole, McIlroy missed another four-foot putt, allowing DeChambeau to seize the advantage. DeChambeau then executed a brilliant bunker shot and made no mistake with his own close-range par, securing his second major title by a single shot.

RORY MISSES ON 18. Bryson can win the U.S. Open with a par on 18. pic.twitter.com/lSk0ZzzZK2

— U.S. Open (usopengolf) June 16, 2024

McIlroy left Pinehurst without addressing the media, while DeChambeau celebrated his second U.S. Open victory in five years. Faldo, serving as a co-commentator for Sky Sports, expressed his belief that McIlroy might never fully recover from these missed chances.

"That's going to haunt Rory for the rest of his life, those two misses," Faldo said. "It was an unbelievable finish. That was a four of all fours to finish from Bryson and the celebration of all celebrations! Rory will be broken-hearted, so I feel for him. He's going to be gutted, absolutely gutted."