Rory McIlroy believes he's on the cusp of ending his nine-year major drought after coming up just short at the US Open.
McIlroy finished one shot behind winner Wyndham Clark in Los Angeles, with the American claiming a surprise victory. Clark was not expected to challenge before the tournament but held a share of the lead with Rickie Fowler heading into Sunday's round.
As Fowler's challenge collapsed, Clark held his nerve to keep McIlroy at bay. It was a frustrating result for the latter, who is waiting for his fifth major title. McIlroy keeps coming up just short, recording 19 top 10 finishes at majors since his last triumph in 2014.
That frustrating run includes three second-place finishes, including two in the last two years. Yet McIlroy is keeping the faith. He believes he will win another major sooner rather than later if he can keep putting himself in these good positions.
When asked for his verdict on his US Open campaign, a shattered McIlroy said: "I'm right there, it's such fine margins."
Clark posted a level-par 70 on the final day to claim his first major on 10 under. Scottie Scheffler (-7) finished third, with Cameron Smith (-6) in fourth. Clark said: "US Opens are tough. I felt at ease though and kept saying to myself, 'I can do this, I can do this'."
McIlroy is one of the best golfers of his generation and has major pedigree after winning the 2011 US Open, 2014 Open and two USPGA Championships. Yet his nine-year wait for a fifth crown is a talking point that crops up at every major event.
"I have just got to keep putting myself in these positions," claimed McIlroy. "Sooner or later it's going to happen for me."
Reflecting on his final round 70, McIlroy added: "There are a couple of things I will rue. The chip on 14 being one. It was really hard to get the ball close, but I hung in there and just didn't quite get the job done. I will keep coming back until I get another one."
McIlroy's final chance to win a major this year is the Open, which takes place at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake. He won the prestigious competition when it was last held at the Merseyside course in 2014, giving fans hope of a belated major triumph.
An emotional Clark, meanwhile, insisted it was "my time" to win a major and paid tribute to his late mother Lise, who died of breast cancer in 2013. This is the 29-year-old's second win on the PGA Tour, with his first coming at last month's Wells Fargo Championship.
Clark said: "I just felt like my mom was watching over me. I just feel like it was my time. I have dreamed of this moment for so long and there are so many times I have visualised being here in front of you guys and winning this championship."
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