Rory McIlroy Announces Break After Challenging US Open Collapse

Rory McIlroy plans to take a break from golf following his disappointing performance at the US Open. The Northern Irishman described it as the toughest day of his career after another major setback at Pinehurst. McIlroy, a four-time major champion, has not won a top golf event since the 2014 PGA Championship.

On Sunday, McIlroy came close to ending his decade-long wait but fell short as Bryson DeChambeau claimed the US Open title by one shot in North Carolina. The 35-year-old McIlroy bogeyed three of his final four holes in the last round at Pinehurst's No.2 course, including a missed short putt on the 18th hole.

DeChambeau managed to save par with an impressive up-and-down from the near-side bunker, leaving McIlroy to reflect on another missed opportunity. "Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I've had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer," McIlroy wrote on social media.

"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," McIlroy continued. "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."

Despite the disappointment, McIlroy remains optimistic. "But, as I always try to do, I'll look at the positives of the week that far outweigh the negatives. 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," McIlroy added. A bogey on the 72nd hole for Rory McIlroy was captured by PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) on June 16, 2024.

McIlroy was expected to participate in this week's Travelers Championship in Connecticut. However, he confirmed he will not feature as he prepares for a break after suffering a significant blow to his major hopes.

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"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," he concluded. The Scottish Open does not start until July 11, giving McIlroy almost a month to recover from this setback.