Golf star Rory McIlroy was on the verge of winning his first major title in ten years on Sunday, June 16, the final day of the 2024 US Open.

Facing the 2020 US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau, the Northern Irishman instead collapsed, making three bogeys in his final four holes, including two missed putts inside of four feet, ultimately losing to the American by one stroke.

McIlroy left the venue without congratulating DeChambeau, and he later clarified his actions in a statement on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

"Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I've had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer. Firstly, I'd like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now," the four-time major tournament winner said.

McIlroy's last major title win was during the 2014 PGA Championship in August.

Rory McIlroy announces break from golf

Following the tournament's whirlwind, McIlroy announced that he would be taking a break from the sport for a few weeks.

"The one word that I would describe my career as is resilient. I've shown my resilience over and over again in the last 17 years and I will again. I'm going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon," McIlroy added.

The 35-year-old is a former world number one, first achieving that position in 2012 and last holding it from October 2022 to February 2023.