Is Rory McIlroy right? Is He closer than ever to winning his next major despite Pinehurst agony?

Rory McIlroy’s aspirations for a fifth major title were once again thwarted, this time at Pinehurst during the US Open. Despite the heart-wrenching loss, his game remains in top form, suggesting that victory is closer than ever, even amid the devastation.

The closing moments of the US Open highlighted the inherent drama and unpredictability of sports. Bryson DeChambeau celebrated his triumph while a disheartened McIlroy faced yet another near miss in his quest for a major title. The last hour at Pinehurst No. 2 was a spectacle of tension and skill, as two modern golf icons competed on one of the sport’s most challenging courses. As the two neared the final holes, the tournament seemed McIlroy’s to lose, especially after DeChambeau faltered, handing McIlroy a two-shot lead.

What ensued was a gripping, nerve-wracking conclusion, demonstrating the human side of these top athletes. Both players struggled to maintain their composure, but it was DeChambeau who managed to deliver a decisive shot with a sand wedge, securing his victory. In contrast, McIlroy’s missed putts on the final holes spelled another agonizing defeat.

For McIlroy, this wasn’t his first close call during his decade-long drought, but it was arguably the most painful, marked by crucial missed opportunities. As DeChambeau sank his winning putt, McIlroy quickly exited Pinehurst, left to reflect on another missed chance at glory. The following day, he announced a three-week hiatus, planning to return at the Scottish Open, where he is the defending champion.

In his statement, McIlroy expressed his intention to “take the positives” and maintained a resilient outlook, claiming he felt closer to winning another major than ever before. While some might view his confidence as overly optimistic, there is a compelling case for McIlroy’s assertion.

The 35-year-old has undeniably been closer to major victories in recent years. Following his 2014 PGA Championship win at Valhalla, McIlroy has consistently performed well in major tournaments, with numerous top-10 finishes. Since 2022, he has been in exceptional form, failing to finish outside the top 10 in just three of his last 11 majors. Notable close calls include a third-place finish at the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews in 2022 and a narrow loss at the 2023 US Open, where he fell short by one shot.

Despite the setbacks, McIlroy’s resilience remains unshaken. His performance at the Ryder Cup in Rome, where he was a standout player for Europe, underscores his ability to bounce back from disappointment. As he prepares for the Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, where he won in dramatic fashion last year, McIlroy is expected to quickly regain his form. The upcoming Open Championship at Royal Troon presents another opportunity for redemption.

McIlroy’s game is currently in excellent shape. He ranks third on the PGA Tour this season in Data Golf’s true strokes gained metric, trailing only behind Masters and PGA Championship winners Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. His performance at the US Open was impressive, with strong statistics in play from tee to green and solid putting, highlighting that his primary challenge remains with his approach play.

It’s puzzling that a golfer of McIlroy’s caliber has not secured a major win in his last 37 attempts. However, it’s equally perplexing to doubt his potential for future success. As the world’s No. 2 golfer, McIlroy is not an underdog or a fading veteran. With time on his side, there will be many more chances for him to secure his fifth major. If he breaks his drought soon, more victories are likely to follow.

McIlroy should approach these future opportunities with a sense of liberation, having already endured the worst at Pinehurst. His game is strong, and with continued perseverance, his major victory drought may soon come to an end.