The 35-year-old, aiming for his fifth major title and his first since 2014, held a two-shot lead before dropping shots on three of the last four holes. This agonising and astonishing finish by the Northern Irishman, who previously opted out of the PGA Tour board, allowed American Bryson DeChambeau to seize victory, earning his second US Open title.

Posting on his X account, McIlroy congratulated his opponent but admitted he would "rue" the missed opportunities, including par putts of two feet six inches and three feet nine inches on the 16th and 18th holes, respectively.

"(Sunday) was a tough day, probably the toughest I've had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer," he wrote. Disappointed, McIlroy departed Pinehurst before DeChambeau was presented with the trophy on Sunday and did not engage with the media.

"As I reflect on my week I will rue a few things over the course of the tournament, mostly the two missed putts on 16 and 18 on the final day." Six-time major winner Nick Faldo said McIlroy's missed shots would "haunt Rory for the rest of his life".

"As I always try to do, I'll look at the positives of the week that far outweigh the negatives," added McIlroy, who impressed previously at the PGA Tour Championship. "As I said at the start of the tournament, I feel closer to winning my next major championship than I ever have.

"The one word I would describe my career as is resilient. I've shown my resilience over and over again in the last 17 years and I will again. I'm going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for the defence of my Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon."

The Scottish Open commences on 11 July, followed by The Open the subsequent week.