It’s been over a decade since Rory McIlroy last won a major. At last week’s U.S. Open, the Northern Irishman had his best chance in recent memory to finally got over the hump, but missed two putts inside five feet, including a 2’6? putt, which cost him the tournament.

While speaking on Golf Channel, Brandel Chamblee shared his opinion on what he believes has held McIlroy back in the biggest moments.

“Don’t get me wrong, I love Rory’s golf swing, it’s beautiful. It’s beautiful. But he’s now finished in the top-ten in the last six US Opens and he’s averaging in those six US Opens – because I just looked here in strokes gained approach – about 30th. Guess what they do not do? Win US Opens.

“The guys who win US Opens finish first, second, third, fourth. Brooks Koepka in US Opens – first, second, most greens and best iron shots, strokes gained approach.

“Rory consistently underperforms in his iron play – and that is the most important statistic.”

The stats back up Chamblee’s opinion. On Sunday, Rory ranked 69th of 74 players in Strokes Gained: Approach.

McIlroy will take a few weeks off before teeing it up at the Genesis Scottish Open followed by the last major of the year at Royal Troon.

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It’s no secret that Rory McIlroy hasn’t won a major in a decade. On Sunday, the Northern Irishman had his best chance in recent memory to finally got over the hump, but missed two putts inside five feet, including a 2’6″ putt, which cost him the U.S. Open.

While speaking on The Chipping Forecast podcast, DP World Tour player Eddie Pepperell said he believes McIlroy needs a new caddie.

“He looked so comfortable and in control and he just needed to hit it to the front part of that green on 15. And I really think he would have walked away with that trophy. That was an inexplicable club decision on 15 and possibly the last too.”

Harry Diamond, a longtime McIlroy friend, has been on his bag since 2017.

Pepperell said that McIlroy’s former caddie, JP Fitzgerald, would be a wise choice to replace Diamond.

“I just think Rory needs somebody who’s capable, like JP (Fitzgerald) probably used to be able to do and help him get across that line.”

Eddie added that if Rory were to win at Pinehurst, a change wouldn’t have been necessary.

“I wouldn’t have said this If he had won but I think he needs a new caddie. I hate saying that about Harry because I’m sure he’s a lovely guy. And I’m sure he’s a good caddie.

“But today, I felt Rory needed somebody that could pull him through the finish line. Rory should never have lost that golf tournament today.

“And I’m adamant about that. I’m sure if he had a super experienced, strong caddie, he would have just pulled him through.

“And I think that that’s the thing that’s holding him back in majors. I could be wrong, but that’s what I think and a bogey on 15 was just emblematic.”

On Monday, McIlroy put out a statement saying he’s going to take the next few weeks off and will skip this week’s Travelers Championship, which is a Signature Event.

pic.twitter.com/fD9NvqFXav

— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) June 17, 2024

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Joe Pompliano, who is a sports and business investor at Pomp Investments, took to X to share just how popular Bryson DeChambeau is after his win at the U.S. Open.

Bryson DeChambeau’s last 24 hours:

• Google search interest up +250%
• The Stitch x Crushers collab sells out
• Gained 25,000 Twitter followers
• Gained 25,000 YouTube subscribers
• Gained 100,000 Instagram followers
• Appeared on the Today show this AM

Not bad, not bad. pic.twitter.com/wwUH006wd1

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) June 17, 2024

“Bryson DeChambeau’s last 24 hours:

• Google search interest up +250%
• The Stitch x Crushers collab sells out
• Gained 25,000 Twitter followers
• Gained 25,000 YouTube subscribers
• Gained 100,000 Instagram followers
• Appeared on the Today show this AM”

I can also add that DeChambeau’s New Era hat, which has been sold out since the day it was released, was briefly back in stock on Monday. It proceeded to sell out once again in less than an hour.”

Like it or not, Bryson DeChambeau is the biggest star in professional golf.

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