Rory McIlroy’s nine-year major drought continues as Wyndham Clark secures US Open crown
Rory McIlroy looked set to end his nine-year wait for a fifth major title, but the Northern Irishman was pipped by Wyndham Clark at the US Open.
Rory McIlroy’s nine-year major drought has continued, after the Northern Irishman missed out on a fifth major title at the US Open. Wyndham Clark was the man who got his hands on the crown, as the joint-overnight leader shot 10-under-par across his four rounds to win in Los Angeles.
Clark headed into the final round level at the top with Rickie Fowler, with the pair well aware that a purring McIlroy was just one shot back in the penultimate group. And the Northern Irishman kicked off in perfect fashion, securing a birdie on the opening hole to make his statement to the leading pair.
Whilst fan favourite Fowler stumbled out the blocks, 29-year-old Clark was clearly up for the battle, and hit back with three birdies in his opening six holes to cancel out a rare blemish on the second. Clark’s fast start saw him move into a solo lead, and from there the American star did not look back.
McIlroy remained right on the heels of the leader throughout, but as the holes passed by, so did his birdie putts as he carded 12 straight pars before a slip up on 14 saw him come away with a bogey. Clark did leave the door slightly open, picking up two bogeys of his at 15 and 16.
