Will he talk today? Will he not? — was energy wasted Sunday. McIlroy didn’t boycott the press as he’d done after six of his last seven rounds at major championships, the most prominent battle in the surreal press-vs.

First Rory McIlroy flung an iron down the 12th fairway. Then he used driver to demolish a tee marker on 17. He might not win the sportsmanship award at the U.S. Open, but he will get to play on the weekend.

So much for Justin Rose being a shoo-in for golf’s “most gracious loser of the year” award. At the very least, Bob MacIntyre has provided some enriching competition for his Ryder Cup partner with his own classy response to agonising defeat at the US Open on Sunday night.

Rory McIlroy concluded a difficult US Open campaign at Oakmont Country Club with a respectable final-round 67, his lowest score of the tournament. The Northern Irishman struggled throughout the week and finished tied for 19th place on seven over par.

Rory McIlroy is set to move back to the UK in the coming weeks after spending the majority of his time in the United States, having built a family home in Wentworth

Rory McIlroy won The Masters and has been performing poorly in the majors since, especially at the US Open. He knows that has to change.