Question of the week [June 24-30]: What were your takeaways from the U.S. Open?
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History suggests it is difficult for mature professional golfers to rebound from such a devastating defeat. Rory McIlroy will certainly win many more golf tournaments as he is that good. As for majors, Rory needs one really soon to heal this latest deep wound. It hurts me to say this, but unless something changes quickly, Rory may be permanently stuck at four. I hope I am wrong on that. Let's hope Rory wins The Open this summer.
Reid Farrill
Toronto, Ontario
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I think the experience at Pinehurst No. 2 will only strengthen his resolve to win several more majors.
Bill Engel
St. Augustine, Florida
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I’d say he’s trending pretty well. He got over $2,300,000 for second place at the U.S. Open courtesy of Phil Michelson exposing the PGA Tour and forcing them to raise purses.
As for his psyche, the media will continue to excuse his boorish behavior as they have Tiger Woods for decades. He became their darling when he ignorantly spewed blather against LIV. They’ll coddle him after his four-week hiatus. They have no shame or moral clarity.
Vinny Mooney
Poughkeepsie, New York
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I think Rory McIlroy's career trend will be just fine. In the past five years alone we have seen terrible putting overcome, terrible wedge play much improved, and bounceback tournament wins after heartaches in the majors. He's the most scrutinized player since Tiger Woods, and that alone is a lot to bear. Will he win another major? Probably. Will he win other tournaments? No doubt. Will he have a couple of struggles the rest of this year? Likely. The Scottish Open and Open Championship will be interesting and very telling for him going into the FedEx Cup Playoffs. If he flounders the rest of this year, expect a big rebound for 2025.
Barry Duckworth
Knoxville, Tennessee
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Front photo: Rory McIlroy walks off the 17th tee during the third round of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club's No. 2 in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Credit: Fran Caffrey / Golffile