Bryson DeChambeau’s clutch putt from just inside 4 feet early last Sunday secured his second career U.S. Open win — and punctuated one of the more stunning collapses in the championship’s recent history.
DeChambeau’s win at Pinehurst was Rory McIlroy’s loss. And what a loss it was for one of the most talented yet underachieving golfers on the planet.
And what a loss it was for one of the most talented yet underachieving golfers on the planet.
McIlroy won his fourth major in 2014. At the time, many thought he was the heir apparent to a physically faltering Tiger Woods. Little did we know that in the 10 years that followed, Woods would win the only major between the two (now friendly) rivals. Woods won the 2019 Masters in improbable and unlikely fashion. Meanwhile, McIlroy has found ways to lose that are equally as improbable.
How could a man with 49 wins worldwide possibly be considered a disappointment? The second-ranked golfer in the world has 21 finishes inside the top 10 of a major including four times finishing as runner-up. Jack Nicklaus, arguably the greatest golfer to ever pick up a club, has been the runner-up in a record 19 majors. But he’s also won 18 more.
Life has been known to get in the way for elite golfers. Just ask Woods. Psychology and mental health can become just as impactful on your game as physiology. And McIlroy could not have been pleased to find himself the subject of a flurry of tabloid speculation earlier this year.
Then there’s the strife between the PGA Tour and the newly launched upstart LIV Golf. McIlroy was as vocal a critic of the pay-for-play tour launched by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund — until he wasn’t. Earlier this year, McIlroy seemed to have a change of heart, tamping down his harsh criticism while trying to bring LIV and the PGA Tour together.
Or maybe it’s a question of an expanding field. Twenty-five different men have won a major since McIlroy’s last successful conquest on golf’s biggest stages. The simplest answer for McIlroy’s U.S. Open performance is that he just choked under the weight of the moment. And that may not be far from the truth. But I will posit this theory: It wasn’t the weight of the moment last weekend that got to McIlroy; it was the weight of 10 years’ worth of moments that ultimately sank his hopes of winning an elusive fifth major. The Travelers Championship began Thursday in Connecticut. It is one of the PGA Tour’s biggest stops, with huge crowds and an even larger purse thanks to its elevated status on the tour. McIlroy was slated to be part of the field but pulled out after last weekend’s collapse. He also pulled out of the normal post-round press conferences and interviews. The greats of the game face the cameras and the media during their highest highs and lowest lows. Instead, McIlroy put out a message on social media congratulating DeChambeau for his win and announcing he would be taking a few weeks off to prepare to defend his title at a DP World Tour event in Scotland and for the Open Championship at Royal Troon. That is the final major of the year. When Rory McIlroy is striking the ball at his very best, he is the very best that golf has to offer. That is a statement that few would dispute. He’s won plenty since that 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla. He’ll undoubtedly win some more tournaments worldwide in the coming years. As for winning another major? That could happen at Royal Troon. Then again, it may never happen. And that’s why we watch.
Jason Page
Jason Page is the host of the nationally syndicated daily TV show “SportsWrap w/Jason Page.” 
