The recent Full Swing series has been shining a spotlight on Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy, and the third episode was no exception. The episode delved into McIlroy’s heart-wrenching defeat at the US Open held at Pinehurst No. 2, where he missed two short putts on holes 16 and 18. This error led to Bryson DeChambeau clinching his second major championship title.
The loss hit McIlroy hard. It marked a decade since his last major win, and the disappointment was palpable. Without much delay, he made a hasty exit from Pinehurst, a move that sparked controversy. Critics argued that he should have stuck around to congratulate DeChambeau, the shining star of LIV Golf.
During the third episode of Full Swing, McIlroy opened up about his swift departure. He asserted that his quick exit was a “favour” to everyone involved, citing the defeat as the most heart-breaking of his career so far. “I feel like that putt sort of let Bryson back into the tournament,” McIlroy confessed. He further shared how he didn’t wish to interact with anyone post-match and wanted to be on the next flight out.
However, his abrupt exit wasn’t seen negatively by all. McIlroy’s hasty retreat was viewed as a testament to his passion for the sport by commentator Henni Koyack. Speaking in the same episode of Full Swing, Koyack expressed her support for McIlroy’s departure, asserting that it highlighted his deep-seated passion for the game. She remarked, “Wasn’t that the question mark? Does Rory still have the fire? Irish exit says yes!”
The criticism that followed McIlroy’s departure from the US Open was severe. He was on the cusp of his fifth major, but two critical errors at the wrong time cost him dearly. Furthermore, witnessing DeChambeau’s euphoria after his second US Open victory was probably the last thing McIlroy wanted to see. DeChambeau’s victory made him the second LIV Golf player to win a major. Given McIlroy’s known views on the Saudi-backed league, it was a bitter pill to swallow.
In the end, the narrative of McIlroy’s US Open loss and swift exit continues to captivate golf fans and critics alike. The latest episode of Full Swing provides an intimate look into the emotional turmoil that often accompanies sports’ high stakes, reminding us that even the best can stumble.