“Time to get a new number” – Rory McIlroy opens up on losing U.S. Open to Byron Dechambeau

During an interview at the Open Championship this week, McIlroy was asked about his reaction after losing the U.S. Open 2024 to DeChambeau.

“Time to get a new number” – Rory McIlroy opens up on losing U.S. Open to Byron Dechambeau

Rory McIlroy winning the 2014 Open Championship (Image via The Open)

Rory McIlroy will tee off at 5:09 a.m. ET on Thursday for the first round of the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon. He will be playing alongside Max Homa and Tyrrell Hatton. Their group is the last in a block of featured tee times, which also includes top players like Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, and Robert MacIntyre.

McIlroy is seeking his fifth major championship victory and second Open title. The four-time major winner has been in a major-winning drought for 10 years. He came close to ending that drought last month at the U.S. Open, but two short missed putts ultimately handed the title to Bryson DeChambeau.

During an interview at the Open Championship this week, McIlroy was asked about his reaction after losing the U.S. Open 2024 to DeChambeau. McIlroy opened up, saying,

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Honestly, from the time I left Pinehurst to the time I walked through my front door on Sunday night, I probably got about 10 or 15 text messages from media members, and I was like, it's probably time to get a new number. Create a bit of space.
Rory McIlory said

Rory McIlroy also mentioned how grateful he was to be able to live out his childhood dream. He emphasized that he doesn’t take for granted the opportunity to wake up every day and pursue his passion. He then shared one of his biggest childhood aspirations.

And one of my childhood dreams was to meet Tiger Woods, but not only that, but you know, to compete against him and to you know, befriend him and become close to him. Yeah, I not in my wildest dream did I think that I'd end up in the position that I'm in, but, very grateful for it.
Rory McIlroy said

McIlroy acknowledged that he never imagined he would reach the level of success he has achieved. Despite his achievements, he humbly reminds himself often that this life he leads is real and something he cherishes deeply.

Now McIlroy has his eyes set on the Claret Jug. He will look to get off to a strong start on Thursday morning in Scotland.

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Rory McIlroy’s disappointing title loss at 2024 US Open

Rory McIlroy’s 2024 US Open performance was overshadowed by disappointment. McIlroy missed two crucial putts, including ones on the 16th and 18th holes, ultimately losing by a single shot to Bryson DeChambeau.

Reflecting on the missed opportunities, McIlroy retreated from the spotlight for a time. However, he made a strong return to competition at the Scottish Open 2024, finishing tied for 4th place.

Rory Mcllroy after winning the Scottish Open
Rory Mcllroy after winning the Scottish Open 2023 (Image via IMAGO)

Rory McIlroy secured a 2nd place finish at the 2024 U.S. Open, hosted at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), with a total score of 275 (-5). His rounds of 65-72-69-69 left him 5 strokes behind the winner. This marked McIlroy’s 8th top-10 finish at the U.S. Open, adding to his victory in 2011 when he set a tournament record with a 16-under-par 268 total.

McIlroy has been a consistent performer at major championships, with three majors to his name: the 2014 Open Championship, 2014 PGA Championship, and 2012 PGA Championship.

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