RORY MCILROY broke his silence after US Open heartbreak and opened up on the “toughest day in 17 years”.
The 35-year-old Northern Irishman came agonizingly close to ending his 10-year wait for a major title on Sunday.
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However, with five holes left in play, he made three bogeys to squander a two-stroke lead over Bryson DeChambeau.
McIlroy gave his rival an unexpected lifeline after missing a four-foot par putt on the final hole, and DeChambeau seized the opportunity with both hands to secure the title.
Now the golfer, who just days ago called off his divorce from wife Erica Stoll, has released a statement on X about his crushing setback.
He wrote: “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I have ever had in my almost 17 years as a professional golfer.
“Firstly, I would 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 will regret a few things throughout the tournament, most notably the two missed shots on the 16th and 18th on the final day. But, as I always try to do, I will analyze the positive aspects 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 ever before.
“The only word I would describe my career is resilience. I have shown my resilience time and time again over the past 17 years and I will do so again.”
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McIlroy added: “I’m going to take a few weeks off from the game to process everything and prepare for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon. See you in Scotland.”
McIlroy’s divorce twist comes less than a month after he initially filed paperwork to separate from the mother of his three-year-old daughter.
Allegations have been made in the American media that McIlroy had an affair with Amanda Balionis, 38.
He was then photographed hugging the CBS Sports star, fueling speculation that the couple were dating, before news of the reconciliation with Stoll broke.
But while he suffered disappointment along the way, Balionis relaxed on the beach.
In recent months, questions have arisen about the TV reporter’s two-year marriage to college football coach Bryn Renner, who is also an account manager for a technology company.
Inside Rory McIlroy’s turbulent love life
RORY MCILROY had a high-profile romance with former tennis world number one Caroline Wozniacki before their split in 2014.
The following year, the golf ace began dating Erica Stoll, whom he met on the PGA Tour in 2011.
Erica frequently interacted with players through her role as volunteer operations manager for the PGA Championship.
She even saved McIlroy from losing his playing time at the 2012 Ryder Cup after some confusion over the time zone.
The incident began a strong friendship between the two, four years before their relationship turned romantic.
McIlroy and Erica were spotted on a series of dates in Rochester, New York in the early days of their relationship.
Just eight months later, the couple got engaged in Paris and walked down the aisle at Ashford Castle in Ireland in 2017.
The pair then welcomed daughter Poppy into the world three years later.
Throughout their time together, McIlroy and Erica kept their relationship to themselves, with the golfer keen to shield his family from cameras while filming Netflix documentary series Full Swing.
However, after seven years of marriage, McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica.
The reasons for the divorce were not disclosed, but the Northern Irishman filed documents with a Florida court.
However, a few weeks later, they made a U-turn on their decision to divorce.
McIlroy told the outlet, “Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a fresh start.”
They got engaged in 2021 and married the following year, but Balionis hasn’t worn her wedding ring since February in her social media posts.
Although it is understood that neither of them filed for divorce, she changed her username in the X from her married nickname, Balionis Renner, to just her maiden name, Balionis.
Meanwhile, McIlroy was seen with his wife for the first time since the couple called off their divorce.
They were spotted with their daughter in Florida on Monday.
Stoll was wearing her engagement ring, while her husband had his wedding ring on.
Rory McIlroy’s Professional Achievements
By Ian Tuckey
Rory McIlroy has spent more than 100 weeks as world No. 1 – and has won four Majors and won 40 tournaments so far.
Only all-time greats Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have matched the feat of winning one of the Big Four at age 25.
And after winning the 2011 US Open, the Northern Irish ace added the PGA Championship the following year – adding the Open and PGA crowns in 2014.
Here’s a summary of the glittering career of the 35-year-old five-time Ryder Cup winner, who was also a strong critic of the Saudi-backed rival LIV tour:
- 2007 – topped the world amateur rankings at age 17.
I turned pro in September.
Became the youngest affiliate member in the history of The European Tour to earn a tour card.
- 2009 – reached the top 50 worldwide.
- 2010 – Won his first PGA Tour title through the Quail Hollow Championship.
He made a successful Ryder Cup debut.
Became the youngest player to reach earnings of $10 million on the PGA Tour.
- 2011 – Famously lost a four-stroke lead on the final day of the Masters in May.
But he won his first major the following month – the US Open.
Voted Sports Personality of the year by RTE – Ireland’s main broadcaster.
- 2012 – won the PGA Championship.
Named PGA Tour Player of the Year and went on to further Ryder Cup glory.
- 2013 – Signed a major sponsorship deal with Nike.
- 2014 – his best year yet, in terms of specialization.
Won the Open at Royal Liverpool.
He then won back-to-back PGA titles, defeating Phil Mickelson by one stroke.
Named RTE Sports Personality of the Year for the second time.
Once again he helped Europe win the Ryder Cup.
- 2016 – Finished the season by winning the Tour championship, placing him atop the FedEx Cup and earning a $10 million bonus.
Suffered defeat in the Ryder Cup.
- 2017 – failed to win all year.
But he took top 10 places in the Masters, The Open and 3 WGC events.
And with Nike largely withdrawing from the golf market, he landed an £80 million sponsorship deal with TaylorMade.
- 2018 – More joy at the Ryder Cup.
- 2020 Surpassed Brooks Koepka to Become World No. 1
- 2021 – A Ryder Cup loser.
- 2022 – runner-up in the Masters and third in the Open.
- 2023 – Helped Europe defeat the USA 16.5-11.5 in the Ryder Cup.
- 2024 – struggled at the start of the season, finishing only 22nd at the Masters.
But then he won two tournaments – the Zurich Classic for his 25th PGA title and the Wells Fargo Championship.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
