RORY MCILROY received a message of solidarity from legends Michael Jordan and Rafael Nadal after playing out last month’s US Open.
McIlroy missed two putts over the final three holes to give Bryson DeChambeau a one-stroke victory at Pinehurst.
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And he has now opened up about how Jordan reminded him it could happen to anyone.
McIlroy explained: “MJ was maybe the first person to text me after I missed the putt on the 18th.
“He reminded me of how many winning shots he missed.
Tennis great Rafa Nadal was another friend of the sport who reached out to McIlroy, and the four-time major champion said his support definitely lessened the pain of the defeat.
He revealed: “Rafa Nadal and Michael Jordan. Two of the most incredible competitors to ever exist in the sport – they both came into contact very, very quickly. They just told me to keep going.”
McIlroy, 35, says his performance to finish fourth at the Scottish Open in his first start since Pinehurst shows he took their advice – and puts him in a great position to win this week’s Open at Troon.
He added: “I would say people would be surprised to see how quickly I got over it and moved on. Was it a great opportunity to win a major? Absolutely. It hurt and at the time it was difficult. Terrible.
“But if the tournament ended after 68 holes, people would call me the best golfer in the world.
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“Yes, I was in a great winning position and should have won. But this isn’t the first time I’ve let something slip.
“We won a lot more than we lost in golf, so it probably won’t be the last. It was difficult, but it’s a tournament.”
And he admitted that losing the 2022 Open at St Andrews, when he looked in complete control heading into the final nine, was much more painful.
He cried when Cameron Smith lifted the Claret jug, but said Pinehurst’s pain did not provoke the same reaction.
He commented: “St Andrews hurt a lot more than this one. Oh my God.
“I didn’t cry after that. But St Andrews – the 150th Open and a three-in-ten shot lead. Plus, the crowd support I got there was unreal.
“But the best thing about this game is that you have the opportunity to get back on your feet right after a tough loss. You try to learn from it and do better next time.”
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
