What a harsh weekend it was for Rory McIlroy! The Northern Irishman started the tournament with one thing in mind “to end his 10-year major drought”. His conviction and work ethic took him closer to the prestigious title, but one single miss and his hard work fell into pieces like the Lego bricks falling from a building block.

Even the golf diva, Paige Spiranac, came on to sympathize with McIlroy, “I feel for Rory right now and can’t even imagine how he’s feeling. Cut him a break.” After he was spotted leaving Pinehurst quickly after the Scientist put the final hole to win the title, another legendary golfer, Annika Sorenstam, remarked on the feeling that McIlroy has gone through.

Annika admits to the mental pressure that Rory McIlroy has faced

A tweet was shared on the SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio handle, where the 10-time major winner, Annika Sorenstam, emphasized that McIlroy’s U.S. Open miss was nothing short of a mental mistake. As she stated, “I would argue that Rory lost it rather than DeChambeau winning it” Given his stats, McIlroy never missed a putt within three feet of the 495 putts he made in a row.

The veteran said, “It’s not just about the technique; it’s about handling the intensity when everything is on the line.” For McIlroy, the US Open is not just another tournament. It’s about prestige and the singular opportunity it offers each year. “You only get to play the U.S. Open once a year,” she mused, hinting at the weight of missed chances.

This also reflected the impact it could create on professionals like McIlroy, given his major drought. Sorenstam acknowledged McIlroy’s public admission that his defeat would be hard to digest. “How does one rebound from such a moment?” she posed, recognizing the immense challenge ahead for the talented golfer.

The 52-year-old followed Spiranac’s supporting stance on the 4-time major winner. She added, “It’s not just about losing; it’s about coming back stronger.” Additionally, she faced a similar 5-year drought from winning the U.S. Women’s Open in 1996 to her 2001 Chevron Championship win. But she has yet another experience, especially concerning the U.S. Open.

How does McIlroy’s winless drought resemble the 72-time LPGA Tour winner’s U.S. Open?

Annika Sorenstam’s victory at the U.S. Women’s Open, ending a decade-long drought, is somewhat similar to Rory McIlroy’s quest for a U.S. Open title. She won the 2006 Women’s Open after her win in 1996. Reflecting on her triumph, Sorenstam remarked, “It’s been 10 long years… but I’m very grateful and thankful.“ Her perseverance resonates with McIlroy, who has faced similar challenges in major championships.

As his pursuit came to another halt, Sorenstam’s triumph offered inspiration, reinforcing the belief that breakthroughs are possible. As the 35-year-old once said about his journey, “You have to fail. It’s a big part of success. You have to be resilient, keep coming back.” For McIlroy, her story provides a poignant reminder that each setback is a stepping stone toward eventual success. Will McIlroy make an example out of him and come back stronger after bottling the U.S. Open?