The 10-year major drought continues! Rory McIlroy missed out on yet another major title at the 124th U.S. Open that recently ended in Pinehurst. He was defeated by the likes of Bryson Dechambeau by a single stroke. Although his losing out on a fifth major title was unfortunate, the fans seem to find it the exact opposite, especially after the Northern Irishman’s actions following his loss.

A tweet was shared on NUCLR GOLF showcasing the golfer taking off from Pinehurst No. 2 after his defeat to DeChambeau. Neither did the 34-year-old stay to congratulate the champ nor did he speak to the media in the wake of his unfortunate loss. Quite dramatic, don’t you think?

The fourth round was nothing short of thrilling as the two golfers were level at one point on Sunday before McIlroy posted a fate-deciding bogey on the par-4 18th hole. This allowed DeChambeau to regain the lead, after which the LIV Golf Pro proceeded to make par putts on the par-4 16th, par-3 17th, and par-4 18th holes to clinch his second major title.

After his disastrous performance on the 18th hole and subsequent loss to the ‘Scientist,’ the 26-time PGA Tour champion retreated to the locker room with his caddie, Harry Diamond. Reports indicated the athlete was nearly in tears after the defeat, though he received little sympathy from the fans.

The golf world asks Rory McIlroy to follow Bryson DeChambeau’s suit

The 2024 U.S. Open champ had, back at the PGA Championship, stood at the range of the Valhalla golf club all the while his eyes were glued to a jumbotron. He slowly watched his fate play out as Xander Schauffele clinched his first major victory by rolling in a birdie putt from 6 feet, 2 inches on the 72nd hole. However, he walked up to the champ for a quick interaction; an embrace, and a “Congrats” following which both were on their way. Even Jim Nantz on the CBS broadcast was all praise for the golfer as he said, “That’s class, DeChambeau comes over to give him a nod, a congratulatory handshake.” Fast forward to the end of the recent major, and a fan expressed while alluding to the same, “You’re a competitor, you’re in the heat of the moment. All that being said, show some class Rors.”

There were other followers as well who dished out responses along the same lines. While Bryson DeChambeau’s actions on and off the court made people fall in love with him, McIlroy’s actions off the court made many turn against him as they reacted; “Rory should have taken a page from Bryson’s book of good sportsmanship. Remember when Bryson left the range to congratulate Xander at the PGA? The golf gods repaid his classy move,” and “Ha Bryson stuck around to greet Xander and congratulate him, this guy ran.”

Through his defeat at Pinehurst, McIlroy became the first player to finish inside the top 10 at seven consecutive U.S. Opens since the legend Jack Nicklaus, the latter of whom did it from 1977-1982. That’s not all. The T2 finish becomes his fourth runner-up placement at a major since his 2014 Open Championship victory. A user came forward to mock the golfer and commented, “Greatest choker of all time,” while another responded, “Gotta be the quickest exit in major history”

Rory McIlroy’s reaction, meanwhile, surprised many in the community, especially with him being such a veteran in the sport of golf. What do you think? Do you feel such a response was warranted or just that he was too emotional after his loss that the golfer didn’t want to deal with the aftermath?