Four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy has revealed he’s going to take some time away from the game after the disappointment of last week’s U.S. Open.
The 35-year-old came close to ending his near 10-year wait for to win a fifth Major trophy, but fell at the final hurdle to finish in second place.
The Northern Irishman dropped three shots in his last four holes on Sunday to eventually lose by a shot to eventual winner Bryson DeChambeau.
McIlroy was then seen leaving Pinehurst in rapid time to escape the press and attention that would inevitably be directed his way after another close call in a Major.
“Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer,” McIlroy said on social media.
“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 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. 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 defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon. See you in Scotland.”
The Scottish Open is set to get underway on July 11 at the Renaissance Club.
