Rory McIlroy's US Open collapse is 'water off a ducks back' and 'won't scar him'

Wayne Riley, a Sky Sports pundit who has closely observed Rory McIlroy's career over the past decade, admits he was " surprised and devastated " by the Northern Irishman's US Open downfall last month. However, "Radar", an on-course reporter, reckons McIlroy, now 35, will shrug off his disappointment in time for The Open Championship at Royal Troon, where he'll be aiming to snap a decade-long major drought.

The golf star squandered a prime position at Pinehurst No. 2 by logging three bogeys - two resulting from missed putts within four feet - over his concluding four holes, eventually losing to Bryson DeChambeau by one stroke . He then took a three-week break before competing at the Scottish Open last week, finishing tied for fourth.

Reflecting on McIlroy's Pinehurst performance, Riley says he was shocked but affirms that the golfer has bounced back impressively, identifying him as a likely contender for the Claret Jug this week.

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"I was seriously surprised," shared Riley in a chat with Mirror Sports. "I didn't see that happening at all. On the last hole, I don't think he hit a bad putt, I just think he misread it," reports the Mirror .

"Rory is seriously under the microscope constantly and everybody can pick the bones out of what happened. Knowing Rory both professionally and personally, I was devastated for him.

"But I think we saw last week that it was water off a duck's back. Everyone asks 'Will it scar him? ' I don't think it will scar him; he will always remember it but I don't think he's the sort of guy who gets scarred he's too good. Watching him is a privilege because he's the best golfer I've ever seen, other than Tiger Woods."

McIlroy's game was as sharp as ever from tee to green at the Scottish Open, only for a cold putter to let him down. Riley says McIlroy's swing is better than ever and the Aussie believes the four-time major champion will be too much to handle for the field if he can find his form on the greens.

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"If the putter is hot and it's a lot better under Brad Faxon I don't think anyone, even Scottie Scheffler, can live with him. He just bullies a golf course like not many can," he said. "Rory's power this week won't really come into the equation. It's not a golf course that suits one part of the game. But Rory's going to be right there, we know he's going to be right there. Whether he lifts the trophy, we shall see.

"I couldn't care where you're playing, Luna Park or Paris Disneyland, if he's got a golf ball and a stick, Rory's always there. That's why he's second-favorite every week after Scottie."

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