Rory McIlroy found it difficult to digest missing out on The Open Championship following Sunday’s final round at St Andrews. McIlroy headed into the final round as the well-backed favourite, and began Sunday tied for the lead with Ryder Cup teammate Viktor Hovland.
It would not be Hovland that would go on to deny McIlroy a first major title in eight years though, as Australian Cameron Smith emerged from four shots behind after shooting a superb eight-under-par 64 to pip the Northern Irishman to the title.
In McIlroy’s defence, the overnight leader did not do much wrong, after carding a bogey-free 70, whilst hitting all 18 greens in regulation during his final round.
