US Open collapse not my toughest loss – McIlroy

Rory McIlroy says he will “learn a lot” from his late collapse at the US Open but insists it was not the toughest defeat of his career.

Four-time major winner McIlroy led last month’s championship by two shots with five holes to play but bogeys on three of his last four holes allowed Bryson DeChambeau to snatch a dramatic victory.

He immediately left Pinehurst without speaking to the media – which he says he does not regret – and has not played since.

Two years ago, McIlroy jointly led the 150th Open Championship at the Old Course by four shots with Viktor Hovland going into the final round and although he carded a two-under 70, Australia’s Cameron Smith shot a 64 to take the title.