Rory McIlroy to take a break after ‘toughest day’ of professional career and pays classy tribute to Bryson Dechambeau

The Holywood star saw his hopes of winning his first Major in 10 years dashed in cruel fashion after letting a two-shot lead slip by bogeying three of the final four holes of the US Open at Pinehurst on Sunday night. After a heavyweight duel with Bryson DeChambeau, McIlroy could only watch from the scorers’ hut after bogeying the 18th as the American LIV Golf player got up and down to take the third Major of the year.

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However, McIlroy has vowed to fight back from a career-low and declared that his game is still in great shape as he eyes a return to action at the Scottish Open on July 11 before facing into the final Major of the year at Royal Troon.

“Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer,” he said in a statement last night.

“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.

“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. 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.

“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.

“See you in Scotland.”