Jon Rahm jumps to Rory McIlroy’s defense after his missed putt cost him the US Open title

Rory McIlroy's finish at the 2024 US Open saw him lose to Bryson DeChambeau by one stroke. Things came down to the very last hole for both the golfers, and this was where McIlroy made a crucial error.

Rory McIlroy missed a two-foot putt on the 18th hole of the Pinehurst Course #2. The loss was a big disappointment for Rory McIlroy to say the least. He left the US Open site immediately after DeChambeau putt his final ball, and declined to give an interview.

The missed putt was heavily discussed amongst audiences, experts and golfers. While many golfers blamed the World No. 2 for missing the putt, LIV Golf star Jon Rahm came to his defense recently. Speaking via NUCLR Golf, Jon Rahm said ahead of the LIV Golf Nashville event:

"If you hit that putt left centre and you miss the hole you're off the green. You could see Rory aiming at least a cup left from three feet. They severely underplayed how difficult that putt was."

Jon Rahm will be teeing it off at the Nashville event this weekend. He is currently ranked World No. 9, and has secured his place in the Spanish team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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Rory McIlroy withdraws from the 2024 Travelers Championship after heartbreaking US Open loss

Rory McIlroy has been in search of his first Major win in over a decade, last winning the PGA Championship in 2014. This year, he finished T22 at the Masters, T12 at the PGA Championship and second at the US Open. He has been coming closer and closer to winning a Major, and his loss at the US Open affected him deeply.

McIlroy released a statement congratulating Bryson DeChambeau on his win. He also said that this missed win was one of the toughest moments he has had to face in a long time.

“Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my 17 years as a professional golfer. Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now. I think we can all agree on that."

He said that he needed some time to process everything and would be withdrawing from the 2024 Travelers Championship.

"The one word that I would describe my career as is resilient. I’ve shown my resilience over and over again in the last 17 years and I will again. I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon. See you in Scotland.”

Rory McIlroy will now be present directly at the Genesis Scottish Open. The 2024 Travelers Championship that is being held this week will have some of the best golfers in the world tee it up, including Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, but Mcllroy will not be in action.