US Open: Rory McIlroy throws caution to the wind but finds little reward in final round

Rory McIlroy began the final round of the 126th U.S. Open with a bold statement, opting for the driver off the opening tee. This aggressive play signaled an intent to defy the odds, even though he was teeing off hours before the leaders, Wyndham Clark and Scottie Scheffler. The large galleries following McIlroy and his playing partner Akshay Bhatia underscored his enduring appeal, despite the reality that his quest for another U.S. Open title appeared to be a lost cause.

McIlroy's decision to use driver on the 392-yard opening hole initially seemed promising, providing the distance to reach the green. However, the shot veered slightly right, leaving him with a challenging bunker shot to a tricky pin position. While he managed to salvage par, the momentum he sought for a final-day charge did not materialize. The subsequent holes proved difficult, with bogeys on the par-3 second and the third, prompting a frustrated utterance from McIlroy: "ah, just go home Rory!"

Despite his struggles, the crowd remained captivated by McIlroy's presence. Even on a day when his private jet was reportedly ready for departure, fans eagerly raised their phones to capture photos, highlighting his significant appeal. His next scheduled events are the Scottish Open and The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale, marking his return to competitive play after this U.S. Open, with no further U.S. appearances planned until mid-August.

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ah, just go home Rory!