Rory McIlroy was quite literally inches away from landing his first major title in ten years during the dramatic 2024 US Open at Pinehurst No.2.
However, once again, the Northern Irishman was left empty-handed, faltering during the latter stages of his final round.
Bryson DeChambeau, as we all know, was the man to snatch the title out of McIlroy’s grasp after producing an all-time great bunker shot on the 72nd hole.
Much of the fallout after the third major of the year has centred around how McIlroy will respond at The Open after withdrawing from last week’s Travelers Championship.
With DeChambeau in the form of his life and Scottie Scheffler nearly always in contention, some believe a fifth major title is now beyond the Northern Irishman.
Furthermore, despite DeChambeau being two major championships behind McIlroy, many feel the big-hitting American will surpass his current tally.
“Bryson. Younger, playing better golf and only needs a couple to catch him,” wrote one fan. While another added: “Rory is an epic choker, and major winners need to be closers, so it’s very easy to say Bryson.”
“Bryson for sure,” said this fan. “Rory will get another. Bryson gonna get more. Would like to see Rory get the Masters I’m not sure that happens.”
So, can the big-hitting American actually chase down McIlroy’s current major tally?
Rory’s major record so far
It’s crucial to remember McIlroy does have the upper hand in this particular race. After winning the 2011 US Open, 2012 PGA Championship, 2014 Open, and the 2014 PGA Championship, the 35-year-old is two titles clear of DeChambeau at present.
Furthermore, despite his barren run in the most important events of the year, McIlroy is regularly in contention.
Out of his 62 appearances in the majors, McIlroy has only missed the cut 11 times. He’s also managed to place in the top ten 50 per cent of the time, including four runner-up finishes.
Clearly, he’s putting himself in the correct position; it’s all about getting the job done in the final round.
Bryson’s major record so far
DeChambeau’s win at Pinehurst comes after his hard-fought victory at Winged Foot in 2020.
The big-hitting American’s major performances in 2024 have been impressive after coming second at the PGA Championship and landing his first top-ten finish at the Masters.
From his 31 major appearances, DeChambeau has made 23 cuts and finished in the top 25 eleven times.
Predictions
Golfing Gazette writers predict who will win more major championships, McIlroy or DeChambeau.
Peter Lynch: “It could be a battle for the ages, but it is one that McIlroy should win. For various reasons, the Northern Irishman has massively struggled to get over the line in recent times, but once that final hurdle is cleared, it should pave the way for silverware to consistently go his way.
Jordan Harris: “After what happened at the US Open, it is hard to bet against Bryson DeChambeau passing Rory McIlroy’s tally of majors. DeChambeau has finished in the top six of all three majors this year, while McIlroy crumbled at Pinehurst when the tournament was in his grip. It is now difficult to see Rory winning another, while Bryson looks to have found a way to make sure he peaks at the perfect time.”
Lee Connor: “I still think Rory will outdo Bryson over their careers. Rory will win the 5th at some point, and I think once he does that, he’ll get another couple at least.
“Bryson is class, but I think he’s riding a bit of a wave right now, and he’ll go seeking something more like he did in the past with distance, and it will crash down a bit. Still, I’d back him to win at least another one, so McIlroy needs to get his skates on, really.”
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