Rory McIlroy's U.S. Open collapse will be his toughest to forget

There's no shortage of major championship failures haunting Rory McIlroy's memories, but the scar left by his epic collapse at the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 will be the toughest to mend. 

McIlroy, who entered the final round three strokes back of Bryson DeChambeau, played beautiful golf for three hours. The Northern Irishman sunk a 20-footer for birdie on the first hole to immediately put pressure on the leader. After an unlucky break that led to a bogey on the par-5 fifth, McIlroy went on a brilliant tear that resulted in four birdies in a five-hole stretch.

Suddenly, McIlroy found himself with a two-shot lead with four holes to play. He had one hand on the U.S. Open trophy with the finish line in sight — his 10-year major championship drought finally on life support.

That's why they play 18 holes. 

On the par-3 15th, McIlroy hit a flighted-down iron that didn't have enough height to hold the firm green. He ended up short-sided and failed to get up and down from a hairy lie. Dagger No. 1.

On the brutally tough par-4 16th, McIlroy hit two fantastic shots to give himself a 27-footer up the hill for birdie. After lagging his birdie putt to two feet, six inches, the 35-year-old made a visibly tentative stroke and lipped out on the left side. Another bogey, and a two-shot lead evaporated. 

Before that miss, McIlroy was 496-for-496 from inside three feet this season, per Justin Ray of The Athletic. Dagger No. 2.

After a clutch up-and-down on the par-3 17th, McIlroy pulled out driver on the par-4 18th and pulled his tee shot left into the sandy native area. He chopped out short of the green and hit a delicate chip to three feet, nine inches. This time, he lipped out on the right side to surrender the lead back to DeChambeau.