Near misses drive McIlroy's bid to end major drought

In a158-man field, it would be a stretch to suggest all eyes will be on Rory Mcllroy in the 152nd Open at Royal Troon, but maybe not much of one.

- PHIL CASEY

One of the game's biggest draws at the best of times, McIlroy is arguably an even greater subject of interest at the worst of times, in this instance, his agonising failure to end his long major drought in last month’s US Open.

Briefly two shots ahead on the back nine in the final round at Pinehurst, McIlroy bogeyed three of the last four holes – crucially missing short putts on the 16th and 18th – to finish a shot behind Bryson DeChambeau, who conjured a brilliant par save from a bunker on the last.

The look on McIlroy’s face, as he realised his hopes of a play-off had gone, was worth a thousand words. Which was just as well, as he left the course moments later without congratulating DeChambeau or speaking to the media.

“I said hello to him yesterday [Monday] and we talked,” DeChambeau said at Troon. “He said congrats so everything’s great there.