On Sunday, Rory McIlroy suffered a devastating disappointment at the U.S. Open when he missed two easy putts in the final round, including one on the 18th hole, to allow Bryson DeChambeau to overtake him on the leaderboard and claim the championship. And after the tournament, former United States President Donald Trump appeared to take a bit of a shot at McIlroy.
The disappointing finish from Rory McIlroy seemed to be a result of mental weakness and a lack of composure in tough moments. So when Donald Trump praised Bryson DeChambeau for his “toughness and inner strength,” while he was under “massive pressure,” many saw it as a shot at McIlroy.
Additionally, Trump praised DeChambeau for representing the United States – McIlroy is from Ireland – and spoke highly of the way he performed on the 18th hole, where McIlroy missed a crucial putt that ultimately cost him the tournament.
“Congratulations to Bryson DeChambeau on his incredible WIN of the United States Open! He showed a toughness and inner strength, matched perfectly with his GREAT Golfing Talent, that can never be denied! Under massive pressure, he pulled off some of the greatest shots ever made, especially his spectacular sand save on the 18th Hole that gave him the Victory. ‘Mr. 58’ has always been a WINNER, and will go on to many more Major Championships. He is a truly tough competitor, even a nasty one, but he also happens to be a great guy. The U.S.A. could not be better represented,” Trump said in his post on Truth Social.
Trump went on to praise LIV Golf, which McIlroy has staunchly criticized in the past.
“Congratulations also to LIV Golf for their genius in signing Bryson and other of the best Golfers in the World,” Trump said. “Hopefully Golf will soon come together as one, fully united, which is the way it should be!”
