PGA Tour pro claims Rory McIlroy did something ‘much worse’ than his miss on 18 during his final round at the US Open

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Rory McIlroy came so close to another major win, but the Northern Irishman ultimately fell short at the US Open.

Pinehurst No. 2 tested the world’s best players, with LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau emerging victorious in North Carolina.

He produced some superb shots on his final round to end on six-under, including a stunning bunker approach on the 18th.

But helping him to the second major of his career was some very poor errors from McIlroy, who finished one shot behind.

The four-time major winner has now decided to take a brief break from the sport following the tournament, with many golf fans understanding of the decision.

Michael Kim shares Rory McIlroy verdict after US Open heartbreak

McIlroy endured a painful end to an otherwise fantastic final round at Pinehurst, where he made three bogeys in his final four holes.

That included two missed par putts within four feet at the 16th and 18th, with his fellow PGA Tour professional Michael Kim now sharing his thoughts on which miss was worse.

Taking to social media after the US Open, Kim wrote on X: “Rory…. Man this one is going to be tough for him.

“It’s Shakespearean in a way. Right when he was finally getting his mid-length birdie putts to drop at a major, the worst happens to him.

“I’ve watched him hit that one on 18 a few times. It’s a really tricky 3ft but something he prob makes 85/100. It looks like he started it on the line he intended but maybe hit it too low on the face, and quickly broke off.

“I heard Brandel [Chamblee] talk about how he shouldn’t have left himself that putt but that’s wrong from a stats perspective. You’re supposed to hit it as close as possible no matter what putt you leave yourself.

“Tbh the one on 16 is a MUCH worse miss than 18. He pulled the heck out of it on a pretty straightforward putt inside 3 ft. That one he makes 99/100. I hope he throws away his phone for a couple of weeks.”

Will Rory McIlroy bounce back ahead of The Open Championship?

McIlroy has long been searching for his fifth major, with his last success coming all the way back in 2014, a year in which he won both the PGA Championship and The Open Championship.

But after back-to-back second-place finishes at the US Open – both by a single shot – it could be another long wait for the Northern Irishman.

Regardless of how long it takes, however, champion DeChambeau has predicted his fellow professional to win ‘multiple more major championships’.

A break could do McIlroy the world of good after his latest disappointment, but fortunately golf fans will see him back in action very soon.

The current world number two will undoubtedly enjoy his time away from the course, but is set to compete at the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open Championship at Royal Troon next month.