Rory McIlroy was visibly frustrated during the final round of the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
McIlroy was three under par with two holes remaining in the opening round on Thursday before consecutive bogeys dampened his spirits.
He then shot a 71 (+1) on Friday and brought himself back into contention with a two-under front nine on Saturday.
Unfortunately, the two-time Masters champion made five bogeys on the back nine, which ended his chances of winning the tournament.
McIlroy has often made a charge from a long way back on Sundays at major championships, but it was not to be this time.
The Northern Irishman’s reaction to one particular mistake summed up his week at Shinnecock Hills.
Why Rory McIlroy told himself to ‘just go home’ at the US Open
McIlroy started the final round at three over par, needing a miracle to overturn a 10-shot deficit to 54-hole leader Wyndham Clark.
However, the 37-year-old made three bogeys in his first five holes on Sunday, leaving him with very little motivation for the remainder of the round.
After a terrible approach shot on the third hole went into the greenside bunker, McIlroy’s frustration boiled over.
“Oh, don’t fat it though. Oh, just go home, Rory. F—— H—,” Sky Sports picked up his emotional reaction.
McIlroy’s “just go home” comment was a reflection of his mindset after almost two decades on tour.
Having won 30 PGA Tour events, including six majors, the world number two is not interested in playing for solid finishes.
He has openly admitted that he is almost entirely focused on winning the biggest events on the back nine of his career.
Another US Open victory at a classic venue, such as Shinnecock Hills, is at the top of McIlroy’s wishlist.
He must now wait until the 2027 US Open at Pebble Beach to fulfil that dream after a lacklustre performance this week.
Read more:
