With just four holes remaining, McIlroy was leading at eight-under-par. However, he stumbled in the final stretch with three costly bogeys, including missed par putts from two and three feet on holes 16 and 18, respectively. Bryson DeChambeau birdied the last hole, clinching his second US Open win.
After that disappointment, McIlroy failed to make the cut at The Open, prolonging his wait for a fifth major title by at least another year, reports Belfast Live . McIlroy has also faced several personal challenges that have thrust him into the media spotlight, notably earlier this year when he began divorce proceedings before quickly reversing the decision.
Before the PGA Championship at Valhalla, McIlroy's agent Sean O'Flaherty revealed that the golfer started divorce proceedings from his missus Erica Stoll. They made it clear with a statement: "Rory McIlroy's communications team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed. They stressed Rory's desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible. He will not be making any further comment."
Taking an unexpected turn, McIlroy denied the divorce reports, sharing that he and his wife have made up. He said at the time: "There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumour is a fool's game.
"Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning."
Casting an eye back on their time together, McIlroy and Stoll first met in 2012, when she organized a police car to get the golfer to a Ryder Cup match on time after he had slept through an alarm clock.
The spark between them lit up properly in 2015, leading to a proposal. in Paris that very December. A couple of years on, they tied the knot in a dreamy wedding at Ashford Castle in Co Mayo in April 2017, pulling in big names like Ed Sheeran and Stevie Wonder for the celebration
McIlroy, who welcomed his daughter Poppy in 2020, shared his newfound joy of being a father with Golfweek, stating: "It's amazing. You see other people having kids and babies, and you'll say congratulations and you're happy for them, but you don't really know how it feels."
The golf star has been vocal about the overwhelming love he experienced upon becoming a father, mentioning: "You feel like you get to know your baby while she's still in her mother's belly, but to go from not having met this person to having unconditional love for them from one minute to the next, there's nothing like it in the world."
He also expressed his deep elation, remarking: "It's probably the best part of being a human being, and I'm glad that I got to experience it."
Before settling down with his wife Erica, McIlroy was famously engaged to tennis ace Caroline Wozniacki, though the relationship came to an end in 2014, ahead of their planned wedding.
At the time, McIlroy described the split as mutual and respectful, but reports surfaced that he called it off with a concise telephone call. Caroline later confirmed they haven't spoken since the breakup.
Following their parting of ways, Wozniacki took her feelings to Twitter, expressing gratitude for the support during a tough period and playfully added: "It's a hard time for me right now. Thanks for all the sweet messages! Happy I support Liverpool right now because I know I'll never walk alone."
McIlroy, confessing it was his call to end things, stated: "There is no right way to end a relationship that has been so important to two people. The problem is mine."
Upon the realisation he wasn't prepared for marriage, he disclosed: "The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realise that I wasn't ready for all that marriage entails. I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we've had. I will not be saying anything more about our relationship in any setting."
Following her split from McIlroy, Wozniacki found happiness with David Lee, accepting his proposal in November 2017 and tying the knot in June 2019, later becoming parents to two children.
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