Rory McIlroy had a fifth major in his grasp late on Sunday at Torrey Pines, but the four-time major winner once again came up short.
The 32-year old Northern Irishman got to within a stroke of the lead around the halfway point, before a bogey on 11, followed by a double on 12, killed his chance for a second U.S. Open trophy.
McIlroy finished his final five holes with a birdie and bogey to settle on 1-under par, tied for seventh.
Despite the disappointment, McIlroy was pleased with his performance.
“Overall, it’s been a positive week. I gave myself a great chance today,” said McIlroy. “Even through 10 holes, I was right in the thick of things.
“It was really two holes that sort of — yeah, it was two holes that basically stopped the sort of run at the title.
“I played well. I felt comfortable with what I was doing out there. I felt like tee to green I was really solid for the first few holes, but once I made those little mistakes on 11 and 12, I felt like I was just chasing a little bit, and then ultimately couldn’t really get anything done from there.
“But overall it’s been a good week. I put up a good fight. I started the round well today. With the three-putt on 11, that sort of stopped the momentum, and then I got a little unlucky on 12 and made double from there. Take those two holes out, the rest of the week was really good.”
