Rory McIlroy missed a golden opportunity to end his major championship drought at the 2024 U.S. Open, captivating fans with an equally impressive disappearing act as he practically vanished after his final round at Pinehurst No. 2. Judging by his Houdini-like exit, Rory might have found a second career as a magician—just one with slightly less reliable results under pressure.

McIlroy started the final day with a two-shot lead but proceeded to bogey three of his last four holes, quickly turning an anticipated victory lap into a masterclass in how to squander a lead faster than a golf cart on nitro (New York Post, June 17, 2024; Sky Sports, June 17, 2024). His crucial errors included missing par putts on both the 16th and 18th holes, effectively handing the win to Bryson DeChambeau (New York Post, June 17, 2024; Sky Sports, June 17, 2024).

DeChambeau, for his part, seemed unfazed by Rory's meltdown. In fact, he might have sent a thank-you card. With an impressive 55-yard pitch from the sand to four feet, followed by a successful putt on the 18th, DeChambeau clinched his victory (Sky Sports, June 17, 2024). It was the kind of dramatic finish that golfers dream of.

But where did Rory go after this dramatic close? Anyone with a media pass was left wondering. Instead of facing the press, McIlroy chose the path of least resistance—or perhaps, the path of fewest questions—by making a hasty retreat. He bypassed any post-game dialogues with the media and skipped congratulating DeChambeau (New York Post, June 17, 2024; Sky Sports, June 17, 2024).

Given that McIlroy has not won a major since the 2014 PGA Championship, this hasty exit only adds to the narrative of his enduring major championship struggles (New York Post, June 17, 2024; Sky Sports, June 17, 2024). At 35 years old, one might speculate that he's starting to feel the weight of a decade-long majorless drought hanging over his head like a particularly persistent dark cloud (Sky Sports, June 17, 2024).

For those fans left wanting more—more face time, more answers, more closure—the good news is they can next catch McIlroy at the Travelers Championship (Sky Sports, June 17, 2024). Let’s hope he sticks around long enough during that event to complete a full interview, or at the very least, a coherent sentence.

Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau seems to be basking in the limelight of his U.S. Open triumph and is already being pegged as one of the pre-tournament favorites for The Open at Royal Troon in July 2024 (Sky Sports, June 17, 2024).

In conclusion, McIlroy's performance at the U.S. Open will certainly be remembered for its dramatic highs and equally baffling lows. While golfers are no strangers to pressure, few have managed to deliver both a photo-finish choke and a Houdini-like exit in such spectacular fashion. As Rory returns to the greens, fans and critics alike can only hope that he leaves his disappearing act solidly in the rearview mirror.

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