After losing the U.S. Open Major due to a lack of stamina in the final holes, Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) is taking some time off to recharge.
According to media outlets on the 18th, McIlroy announced on his social media, “I will stay away from golf for 2-3 weeks.” At the U.S. Open held at Pinehurst Golf and Resort in North Carolina, McIlroy was leading by two strokes in the 4th round, with his first Major win in 10 years since the 2014 PGA Championship within reach.
However, he faltered due to a lack of focus in the final rounds. McIlroy missed a short 4-foot par putt on the 18th hole (par 4), resulting in a bogey, and lost the championship by one stroke to Bryson DeChambeau (USA).
While dealing with issues like his recent divorce lawsuit, McIlroy left the stadium without an interview with the media, shocked by the loss of the U.S. Open.
On social media, McIlroy reflected, “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.“
He added, “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now.”
He continued, “As I reflect on my week, I’ll rue a few things throughout the tournament, mostly the 2 missed putts on 16 and 18 on the final day. 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.”
Mentally and physically exhausted, McIlroy aims to win again after recharging. He had initially planned to participate in the PGA Tour Travelers Championship in Connecticut on the 20th after the U.S. Open but has now revised his plans.
He announced that he “plans to take a few weeks off to clear his mind” and added, “I’ll muster up the energy again to defend the Scottish Open and the Open in July. See you in Scotland.”
The Genesis Scottish Open will be held in Scotland on July 11.