Rory McIlroy savaged after US Open loss to Bryson DeChambeau

Rory McIlroy suffered another heartbreaking loss at the US Open and his moves afterwards have sparked widespread criticism.

The golfing world has reacted strongly to Rory McIlroy’s latest failure in a major tournament and particularly his conduct after Bryson DeChambeau’s memorable US Open victory.

McIlroy held a two-shot lead on the back nine at the Pinehurst No. 2 course in North Carolina before faltering after missing two shorts putts on his final three holes.

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It opened the door for DeChambeau to claim his second Open victory with a remarkable par from a horrible position on the 72nd hole to win by one stroke.

Northern Irishman McIlroy has been waiting 10 long years to add to his four major titles in his career and his latest disappointment was too much for the 35-year-old.

The sport of golf has long been considered a “gentlemanly” pursuit and is littered with classy acts over the years by both winners and losers.

So McIlroy’s move to depart the course immediately after DeChambeau’s winning putt, without doing any media interviews and reportedly failing to congratulate the victor — a typically standard move in golf — has not gone down well.

Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau. Photos: Fox Sports/Getty Images

The world No. 2 golfer is extremely outspoken and while he’s hugely popular, he’s also a polarising figure, particularly over his comments slamming the breakaway LIV Golf tour.

His decision to quickly pack his courtesy car and leave has sparked a fierce reaction.

“The PGA darling … shows zero class. Not the most surprising thing but if roles were reversed,” was one comment on X.

“I like Rory, but this is a poor way to lose,” wrote another.

“Bad look on Rory, especially after spending the last few years as the holier than thou golf god,” added another.

Interestingly, DeChambeau himself was involved in a very similar incident at the PGA Championship exactly a month ago.

DeChambeau warmly embraced winner Xander Schauffele, who had just beaten the big-hitting American by one stroke to claim the title.

Bryson after Xander beat him by one stroke on 18.

Rory after Bryson beat him by one stroke on 18.

I don’t want to hear anything else about Bryson being disingenuous or fake from the same golf media that gushes over Rory. Actions speak louder than words. pic.twitter.com/2TNPbhNGFy

— Jake (@JakeAndBall) June 16, 2024

Other golf fans were keen to make comparisons between McIlroy and some other famous figures from the past.

One obvious comparison doing the rounds on social media was Australia’s Greg Norman.

A two-time major winner who was world No. 1 for 331 weeks in his career, Norman is also well known as golf’s biggest “choker” for his missed opportunities in major tournaments.

His most famous defeat was throwing away a six-shot lead going into the final round of the 1996 Masters, the tournament he wanted to win more than any other.

A disastrous final round allowed Brit Nick Faldo to claim the green jacket, with Norman still fronting up to the press after the enormous disappointment.

“I was about to endure the loser’s press conference,” Norman wrote in a column on Golf.com about that day.

“I went to the pressroom and answered every question as honestly as I could.”

McIlroy couldn’t believe he let another opportunity slip through his hands. (Photo by Andrew Redington//Getty Images via AFP)

Norman’s defeat to Faldo in 1996 is probably the most well known loss in major golf history. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File)

While Norman faced the press, the recently retired Lexi Thompson was criticised for not talking after she gave up a five-shot lead late in the 2021 Women’s US Open.

Both of those moments were referenced by golf fans on Monday.

“This might be a bigger bummer than anything else today. Chickens**t move. I crushed Lexi for not doing media at Olympic and (McIlroy) high-tailing it out of the parking lot in full view is even worse. Brutal,” wrote well known golf pundit Todd Schuster on X.

“Greg Norman blew a 6-shot lead in the final round of the ‘96 Masters and then sat in the press room and took questions for 30 minutes. This is a terrible terrible look for the face of golf,” commented an X account called CK.

Lexi Thompson was criticised for her conduct at the 2021 Women’s US Open. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Getty Images)

While McIlroy’s conduct earned the ire of many, there were plenty of course who fully supported his behaviour after the crushing loss.

“Have no problem with this. Deserves to decompress. We saw it … no need to talk about it until at least 24 hours,” was one suggestion on X.

“He’s competitive I don’t blame him at all. He knows he lost it, Bryson didn’t beat him Rory beat himself. And that’s a terrible feeling but he’ll be back,” wrote another.

“Can’t blame him really, lost out after chasing another major for so long, you’d be devastated,” added a third.

McIlroy’s next opportunity to claim that coveted fifth major title will come at this year’s British Open at Royal Troon in Scotland starting on July 18.