McIlroy announces break following US Open heartbreak

Rory McIlroy says he'll be taking "a few weeks away" from golf following his heartbreaking final day at the US Open.

The Northern Irishman missed two short putts on the final day of the championship, which effectively cost him his first major championship in 10 years. 

Posting on X he wrote: "Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer. Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Bryson [DeChambeau]. 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.

pic.twitter.com/fD9NvqFXav

— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) June 17, 2024

“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.”

McIlroy left Pinehurst immediately after watching Bryson DeChambeau sink his final putt on the 18th, having let a lead slip through his fingers in the final stages.