RORY MCILROY received a message of sympathy from legends Michael Jordan and Rafael Nadal after he threw away last month’s US Open.
McIlroy missed two tiny putts in the final three holes to hand Bryson DeChambeau a one shot win at Pinehurst.
And he has now opened up about how Jordan reminded him that could happen to anyone.
McIlroy explained: “MJ was maybe the first person to text me after I missed the putt on the 18th.
“He reminded me of how many game-winning shots he missed. Really nice.”
Tennis great Rafa Nadal was another sporting pal who reached out to McIlroy, and the four-time major champion said their support definitely lessened the pain of defeat.
He revealed: “Rafa Nadal and Michael Jordan. Two of the most unbelievable competitors that have ever been in sport – both of them got in touch very, very quickly. They just told me to keep going.”
McIlroy, 35, says his performance to finish fourth at the Scottish Open in his first outing since Pinehurst shows he took their advice – and has put him in a great place to win this week’s Open at Troon.
He added: “I’d say people would be surprised to see how quickly I got over it and moved on. Was it a great opportunity to win a major? Absolutely. It hurt and in the moment it was tough. Terrible.
“But if the tournament ended after 68 holes, people would be calling me the best golfer in the world.
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“Yes, I was in a great winning position and should have won. But it’s not the first time I have let something slip away.
“We win far more than we lose in golf, so it’s probably not going to be the last. It was tough but it is one tournament.”
And he admitted losing the 2022 Open at St Andrews, when he looked to be in total control heading into the back nine, was far more painful.
He was in tears as Cameron Smith lifted the Claret Jug, but said the pain of Pinehurst did not provoke the same reaction.
He commented: “St Andrews hurt way more than this one. Oh my God.
“I didn’t cry after this. But St Andrews – the 150th Open and a three-shot lead on ten. Plus, the crowd support I got there was unreal.
“But the great thing about this game is you have an opportunity to get back on the horse right after a tough loss. You try to learn from it and do better next time.”
By Ian Tuckey
Rory McIlroy spent more than 100 weeks at World No1 – and has scooped four Majors and won 40 tournaments in all SO FAR.
Only all-time greats Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have matched his feat of winning one of the big four by the age of 25.
And after winning the 2011 US Open, the Northern Ireland ace added the PGA Championship the following year – adding the Open and PGA crowns in 2014.
Here’s a rundown on the glittering career of the 35-year-old, five-time Ryder Cup winner, who was also a strong critic of the rival Saudi-backed LIV tour:
Turned professional in September.
Became the youngest Affiliate Member in the history of The European Tour to earn a tour card.
Made a winning Ryder Cup debut.
Became the youngest player to reach $10m earnings on the PGA Tour.
But won his first major the following month – the US Open.
Named Sports Person of the year by RTE – Ireland’s main broadcaster.
Named PGA Tour player of the year and picked up more Ryder Cup glory.
Won the Open at Royal Liverpool.
Then clinched back-to-back PGA crowns, beating Phil Mickelson by one stroke.
Named RTE Sports Person of the year for a second time.
Again helped Europe win the Ryder Cup.
Suffered Ryder Cup defeat.
But gained top 10 finishes at the Masters, The Open and 3 WGC events.
And with Nike largely withdrawing from the golf market, he landed an £80m endorsement deal with TaylorMade.
But then won two tournaments – the Zurich Classic for his 25th PGA title and the Wells Fargo Championship.
