The 35-year-old golfer, who has been on the hunt for a major victory for more than ten years, was leading the tournament until the final five holes but then stumbled badly, missing key putts when it mattered most.
Despite the bitter experience at Pinehurst, McIlroy found solace in the support from sporting greats like Rafael Nadal and Michael Jordan, who were quick to offer their sympathies.
In an interview with the Guardian, McIlroy shared the encouraging messages he received from these sports icons: "Two of the most unbelievable competitors that have ever been in sport. MJ was maybe the first person to text me after I missed the putt on the 18th but both of them got in touch very, very quickly. They just told me to keep going. MJ reminded me of how many game-winning shots he missed. Really nice."
McIlroy appears to have embraced their advice, maintaining a positive attitude about bouncing back from recent setbacks. He commented: "You have to be an eternal optimist. Say you play 25 events a year and win three of those. You are one of the best players in history. We lose way more than we win."
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Mcllroy fondly reminisced about a memorable night in Florida with Shane Lowry and Luke Donald, following Team Europe's Ryder Cup victory. Speaking to The Irish Independent, Lowry said: "Rory and Luke [Donald] started texting [Jordan], and the next thing [I know], we're sitting there drinking with Michael Jordan, just the four of us."
"And I'm like, 'Whaat! ' He's very much a pro-USA guy. It was the first Ryder Cup he hadn't been to in 25 years, so we gave him a good slagging."
Delving into his thoughts on the topic of Ryder Cup payments, basketball legend Michael Jordan didn't shy away from expressing his opinion. Reflecting on the dialogue, McIlroy recalled: "We were talking about the issue of players being paid at the Ryder Cup, and he told a story about the US basketball team."
"He told a story about the U.S. basketball team, the Dream Team at the Olympics in '92. 'Do you not think I could have got paid to play in the Olympics? ' he said: 'These people are missing the point of what it means'. He saw the long-term value of winning an Olympics, and said he ended up doing way better than if he had taken money there and then."
As their unexpected alliance wound down, the lads considered snapping a group photo following their Ryder Cup triumphs. Lowry disclosed they ultimately opted out, remarking: "He doesn't need that. But ... myself, Rory, Luke and MJ sitting around talking about the Ryder Cup. Not really how I envisioned the celebrations."
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