RORY MCILROY has spoken about what hindered his ability to get over the line at the 2024 US Open.
The 36-year-old’s 10-year wait for a fifth Major title extended after the dramatic and excruciating collapse last summer.
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Rory McIlroy admitted that he was too focused on what Bryson Dechambeau was doing at the 2024 US OpenCredit: SKY SPORTS
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Bryson DeChambeau of the United States reacts to his winning putt on the 18th green during the final round of the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No.2
The Holywood hotshot blew a two-shot lead thru 15 holes in the final round at Pinehurst No.2, he went on to miss short putts at 16 before before a horror show on 18.
World number three McIlroy would be left devastated again as the American would capitalise to win the day, with McIlroy left watching on from the scoring room.
But as the calendar year reaches an end, the Down native reckons that he’s pin-pointed where he went wrong during the infamous final round.
Speaking on an end-of-season mini-doc on Sky Sport, the Northern Irishman reckons he was focusing too much on what LIV Golf star Dechambeau was going to do, instead of focusing on his own game.
But he did admit that the short missed par putt on 16 was a huge regret.
He stated: “I’d say it was a combination of everything. I wouldn’t say it’s specifically the putts. I wouldn’t say it’s specifically the club choices – I think it’s a combination.
“The putt on 16 was probably the one that I’ll look back on most that I’ll regret.
In a year full of mixed emotions for the Race to Dubai champion, he went on to add that he was too aware of what was happening on the leaderboard.
He added: “But I think if I had made par on 15, do I miss that putt on 16? Also, with the last few holes and with the way Pinehurst flows – I was waiting for Bryson to hit his shots.
“You’re very aware of what’s happening behind you and I needed to do a better job of trying to block that out, and I didn’t.
Watch incredible moment golfer Bryson DeChambeau nails hole-in-one over his £1.6million mansion
” It’s hard enough just having to concentrate on yourself and focus on what you’re doing.
“Whenever your attention is taken away by focusing and looking at what your competitor does, it makes it even more difficult.”
McIlroy also revealed that he’ll hope to end his 11-year major drought at Royal Portush next year.
The Open Championship returns to Irish soil for the first time since Shane Lowry’s maiden major win in 2019.
He’s also targeting major success in his home country of Northern Ireland.
The Holywood hotshot missed the cut at Royal Portrush in 2019 after a miserable opening round of +8, he did go out to card a six under second round but ultimately missed the cut by one-stroke.
The world number three is confident his can win his fifth major in the season ahead as he admitted that he has ‘unfinished business’ in County Antrim.
