Following a heartbreaking one-stroke loss at the US Open, Rory McIlroy announces a hiatus from golf to regroup before returning at the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon.

McIlroy's decision to take a break, missing several PGA Tour events, comes after a grueling final round where he bogeyed three of the last four holes, surrendering victory to Bryson DeChambeau. Having finished second in a major for the fourth time since 2014, McIlroy described the experience as his toughest in nearly 17 years of professional golf, signaling a need to mentally and physically recharge before aiming for redemption at upcoming major tournaments.

The 124th US Open concluded in dramatic fashion with Bryson DeChambeau capturing the title by a narrow margin. Rory McIlroy, who was in contention for the win, struggled in the final stretch of the tournament. Bogeying three of his last four holes proved critical as it handed DeChambeau the opportunity to seize the victory by one stroke.

In a post-tournament statement, McIlroy reflected on the emotional toll of the competition, calling the final round the most challenging day of his professional career. He narrowly missed a short putt on the 18th hole, which would have led to the first aggregate playoff in US Open history. The near-miss capped off a trying day that ultimately ended in disappointment for McIlroy.

Showing sportsmanship, McIlroy took to social media to congratulate DeChambeau, acknowledging him as a worthy champion. Despite the setback, McIlroy expressed hope and determination to come back stronger. To facilitate this, he announced his decision to step back from golf momentarily.

McIlroy will not participate in the upcoming PGA Tour events, including the Travelers Championship, the Rocket Mortgage Classic, and the John Deere Classic. Instead, he plans to use this period to regroup, both mentally and physically. His anticipated return is set for the Genesis Scottish Open followed by The Open at Royal Troon.

This hiatus marks a critical juncture in McIlroy's career as he looks to break his streak of near-misses in major tournaments. Since his last major win in 2014, McIlroy has finished as the runner-up four times. The recurring close calls have evidently taken a toll, prompting his decision to pause and recalibrate.

Fellow professional golfer Shane Lowry, who knows the pressures of the sport, expressed empathy for McIlroy. Lowry highlighted the emotional and psychological strain that comes with competing at the highest level, particularly in major tournaments where the stakes are incredibly high.

In contrast, Bryson DeChambeau, now a US Open champion, celebrated his victory and the significance of his final shot, which, according to him, encapsulated the difficulty and excitement of the game. DeChambeau's win adds another milestone to his career, further cementing his reputation in the competitive field of golf.

The upcoming weeks will be crucial for McIlroy as he aims to return to form. The break provides him with an opportunity to reflect, regroup, and prepare for the challenges ahead. Golf enthusiasts and fans worldwide will be keenly watching McIlroy's return to see if he can once again rise to the top and secure another major victory.

As the PGA Tour continues, McIlroy's absence will be felt, but his decision to focus on recovery underscores the importance of mental and physical well-being in professional sports. The golf world will eagerly anticipate his comeback at the Genesis Scottish Open and subsequently at The Open at Royal Troon, where he will venture to reclaim his place among golf's elite.