It’s been over a decade since Rory McIlroy last won a major tournament. At last week’s US Open, the Northern Irishman had his best chance in recent memory to finally get over the hump, but missed two putts from within five feet, including a 2’6? putt, which cost him the tournament.
Speaking on Golf Channel, Brandel Chamblee shared his thoughts on what he thinks held McIlroy back in the biggest moments.
“Don’t get me wrong, I love Rory’s golf swing, it’s beautiful. It’s beautiful. But he has now finished in the top ten in the last six US Opens and his average in these six US Opens – because I just looked here in terms of the strokes gained approach – is around 30th. Guess what they don’t do? Win the US Open.
“Guys who win the US Open finish first, second, third, fourth. Brooks Koepka at the US Open – first, second, most greens and best iron shots, strokes gained on approach.
“Rory consistently underperforms in his iron play – and that’s the most important stat.”
The statistics back up Chamblee’s opinion. On Sunday, Rory placed 69th out of 74 players in Strokes Gained: Approach.
McIlroy will take a few weeks off before competing in the Genesis Scottish Open followed by the final major of the year at Royal Troon.
More than the 19th hole
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