What Rory McIlroy did immediately after heartbreaking US Open defeat has got fans talking

What Rory McIlroy did immediately after losing out on the US Open to Bryson DeChambeau has got fans talking.

The Northern Irishman, who hadn't won a major since 2014, headed into the fourth and final day at Pinehurst three shots behind overall leader DeChambeau.

After going at level par during his first eight holes, McIlroy then hit four birdies in five holes to take a two-shot lead over DeChambeau.

But just as the 35-year-old looked set to end that gruelling 10-year major drought, he could only score a bogey on the 15th which brought his rival back into the contest.

After dropping another shot on the 16th, McIlroy and DeChambeau were level at six-under-par as they approached the final hole.

McIlroy - whose missed putt on 15 was his first miss out of 497 attempts from three feet this season - was presented with another putt from the same distance for par.

But he agonisingly missed to drop a shot behind DeChambeau.

That meant he had to watch from the clubhouse as the American completed the 18th.

And despite firing his tee shot well off course, and then going into the bunker with his second shot, DeChambeau set up the perfect approach with his third before putting in to secure his second US Open title.

The TV cameras focused on McIlroy throughout those final shots and, after a moment of self-reflection, captured the Northern Irishman quickly leaving the venue.

And a separate video after the action ended showed him driving away from the Pinehurst venue just minutes after DeChambeau's victory was confirmed - declining media interviews in the process.

Rory declined an interview an left almost immediately after the final putt dropped 👀 pic.twitter.com/VWg0wikA0s

— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) June 16, 2024

After watching the footage, fans had mixed opinions about McIlroy's actions.

One wrote: "Let's force this guy who just lost another major in absolutely heartbreaking fashion to answer questions about how much it hurts."

Another said: "Don't think it's that big of a deal and completely understandable to decline the interview. He's human and emotions are probably too high."

A third added: "I feel for him. It's a sport, but it's harder when you have the media all over you. Just let the man be."

But another fan countered: "I like Rory, but this is a poor way to lose."

And another said: "Greg Norman blew a six-shot lead in the '97 Masters and then sat in the press room and took questions for 30 minutes. This is a terrible, terrible look for golf."

Prominent figures from inside the world of golf also got involved in the discussion, with Paige Spiranac writing: "Hot take but I don't care when athletes do this.

"He gave us everything he had on the course and gave us such an entertaining day. I feel for Rory right now and can't even imagine how he's feeling. Cut him a break."