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Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy's reaction to Bryson DeChambeau's win and quick exit from Pinehurst Resort and Country Club went viral after a heartbreaking missed putt on the 18th hole that would've forced a playoff at the U.S. Open on Sunday (June 16).
McIlroy, 35, the No. 2 overall golfer in the Official World Golf Ranking, who hasn't won a major since 2014, was seen watching a monitor in frustration and driving away from the course without taking questions after missing a would-be par putt that was three feet, nine inches away from the cup. The Northern Ireland native had previously missed a two-foot, six-inch would-be par putt on the 16th hole while leading by one stroke.
DeChambeau capitalized by shooting for par on 18 to finish one stroke ahead of McIlroy at 6-under. The California native entered the day with a three-stroke lead on McIlroy, who was tied with Matthieu Pavon and Patrick Cantlay at 4-under.
"Rory is one of the best to ever play," DeChambeau said via ESPN after his U.S. Open win, which marked his second victory at the tournament and second career major. "He'll win multiple more major championships. There's no doubt. I think that fire in him is going to continue to grow."