Colin Montgomerie explains reason why Rory McIlroy’s US Open failure hurts doubly hard

Golf legend Colin Montgomerie has identified expectation as “the killer” in Rory McIlroy’s heartbreaking failure to secure the US Open title. McIlroy came agonizingly close to ending his major drought at Pinehurst No. 2 last weekend. Leading the pack on the final day, he saw his hopes dashed with three bogeys in the last four holes, allowing Bryson DeChambeau to claim the trophy. The dejected Northern Irishman, now faced with his fourth runner-up finish in a major, plans to take a brief hiatus to recover from the sting of another missed opportunity.

Montgomerie, who himself has endured the pain of five second-place finishes in majors, shared his insights on The Sports Agents podcast, emphasizing how the weight of expectation can amplify the agony of defeat. He recalled his own experience, notably his double bogey on the final hole at Winged Foot in 2006, which cost him the US Open. “It’s an awful, awful feeling,” he said. “You feel like you’ve let yourself down, your family, your friends, and all the supporters who have stood by you.”

He described the profound sense of loss and the overwhelming desire to disappear from the spotlight. “Sport is tough, especially when expectations are sky-high,” he noted. “The biggest victories of my career came when I was expected to win, but living up to those expectations is incredibly challenging.”

Montgomerie hinted that McIlroy’s recent marital issues with Erica Stoll might have played a role in his uncharacteristic putting errors during critical moments of the US Open. McIlroy’s season had been stellar, yet he missed crucial short putts on the 16th and 18th holes of his final round. Montgomerie speculated that the distractions in his personal life could have impacted his focus.

McIlroy is set to return to action to defend his title at the Scottish Open on July 11, followed by the final major of the year, The Open Championship, at Royal Troon the following week.