RORY MCILROY has broken his silence after his US Open heartbreak and opened up on the “toughest day in 17 years”.
The Northern Irishman, 35, came agonisingly close to ending his 10-year wait for a major title on Sunday.
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Rory McIlroy suffered heartbreak with his late collapse at the US OpenCredit: Getty
However, with five holes left to play he carded three bogeys to squander a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau.
McIlroy handed his rival an unexpected lifeline after missing a par putt from four feet on the final hole, and DeChambeau grabbed the opportunity with both hands to wrap up 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’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.
“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.”
McIlroy added: “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.”
Bryson DeChambeau sends classy message to Rory McIlroy after US Open heartbreak
Meanwhile, McIlroy has been spotted with his wife for the first time since the couple called off their divorce.
McIlroy’s divorce U-turn was less than a month after he initially filed paperwork to split with the mother of his three-year-old daughter.
They were seen with their daughter in Florida on Monday.
Stoll was wearing her engagement ring, while her husband had his wedding band.
