Rory McIlroy faces a huge task in his bid to bounce back from his US Open heartbreak.
Rory McIlroy will face more than just the aftermath of his US Open collapse as he prepares for The Open Championship next month. The 35-year-old golfer is currently on a break from the sport after the disappointing performance at Pinehurst, where he failed to sink two crucial putts in the closing holes, ultimately gifting the win to Bryson DeChambeau.
Europe’s Ryder Cup hero continues to wait for his first major title since 2014, and the upcoming event at Royal Troon will offer him another chance to end the drought.
The 152nd Open is scheduled to be held at the links course from July 18-21, where defending champion American Brian Harman will be competing.
Two years ago at St Andrews, McIlroy held the lead going into the final day, but was ultimately surpassed by an exceptional final round from Cameron Smith. Adding insult to injury for the Northern Irishman, Cameron Young charged ahead and eagled the last hole, pushing McIlroy down to third place.
Interestingly, McIlroy’s current disappointment coincides with another impressive performance from an American golfer, although not at the US Open. At the Travellers Championship in Pinehurst, 27-year-old Cameron Young captivated the crowds on Saturday with a remarkable 11 under 59 score.
He carded two eagles and seven birdies to secure the first sub-60 score in nearly four years on the PGA Tour. Young also entered the ranks of just 13 men who have managed this achievement.
This put him five shots behind the overnight leader, Tom Kim, setting the stage for an enticing finale. Young then appeared to be in a strong position for victory after birdieing the first four holes of his final round.
He accumulated a remarkable score of 15 under in only 22 holes, but unfortunately, he couldn’t sustain his streak of birdies. Eventually, he finished tied for ninth place with a score of 17-under-par, trailing behind Kim and Scottie Scheffler by five strokes.
In an intense play-off showdown, Scheffler emerged as the victor after four additional holes. However, Young, who made an impressive ten-foot putt on the final hole on Saturday to achieve his historic 59, has issued a warning as he prepares for his challenge at Royal Troon.
McIlroy will take note of the progress, as he may face a new competitor in his quest for the coveted fifth major title. He will travel to Scotland ranked as the world No.2, with Masters winner Scheffler leading the rankings.
Before that, McIlroy is anticipated to compete in the Genesis Scottish Open to defend his title. The event kicks off on July 11 and will serve as an ideal preparation for The Open Championship.
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