Rory McIlroy, a four-time major champion, faced significant criticism for his abrupt departure from Pinehurst No. 2 after his final round at the 2024 U.S. Open on Sunday. McIlroy, who saw his two-stroke lead disappear on the back nine, left the course without congratulating eventual winner Bryson DeChambeau in person. Instead, he issued a congratulatory statement on social media this morning, but this has not quelled the backlash from fans.
In response to the criticism, McIlroy’s friend and fellow PGA Tour player Shane Lowry posted a heartfelt message on social media this afternoon. “From the outside looking in… this game is easy,” Lowry wrote. “But in reality it’s the worst game of all. We are very fortunate to get what we do from this game, but over the last 24 hours, it’s hit me. We do it for not only ourselves but for our family, friends, and fans. What Rory has gone through is as tough as it gets in our game, but I would like to encourage people, if anything, please be kind.”
McIlroy’s last major victory was at the 2014 PGA Championship. He will aim to end his near-decade-long major drought at the Open Championship at Royal Troon later this year.