Rory McIlroy was all class about Cameron Smith winning British Open
Rory McIlroy, despite a four-shot lead entering Sunday, watched the British Open slip away to Cameron Smith. After the round, though, he was all class.
The weight of the world might’ve been on the shoulders of Rory McIlroy on Sunday at St. Andrews. The Open Championship was his to lose with a four-stroke lead outside of Viktor Hovland, he of never finishing inside the Top 10 at a prior major, who was tied with him. Cameron Smith, of course, had a different narrative in mind.
Rather than McIlroy ending his eight-year major drought at the 150th British Open, he put up a pedestrian 70 while Smith fired off a surreal 64 to take the lead and the Claret Jug right from Rory. In fact, McIlroy ended up finishing third as an aggressive attempt to hole-out on the 18th hole and force a playoff led to par while Cameron Young eagled that finishing hole.
It was heartbreaking to see a player, one beloved almost universally by golf fans, come so close and miss out. Yet, his reaction to Smith’s win (and his loss) was exemplary for why he garners so much fanfare.
Rory McIlroy has classy, hopeful reaction to Cameron Smith winning British Open
After the round, Rory McIlroy almost immediately spoke with Kathryn Tappen about the tournament and what he felt. While he was visibly upset and disappointed, he gave all the credit to Smith for a remarkable performance, calling him the “better player” at St. Andrews.
All class from @McIlroyRory after a disappointing finish @TheOpen. pic.twitter.com/BtV3obKE1E
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 17, 2022
When he spoke to the media later, he continued that sentiment. McIlroy maintained that he didn’t choke or even play poorly — he simply got beaten by the better player on Sunday. More importantly for fans of Rory, he remained happy with the state of his game and the opportunities immediately down the road.
Rory was far from despondent in speaking with us just now. Disappointed, of course, but feels he got beat by the better player. Hugely confident with where his game is and knows he’ll have many more chances to win these Opens. Hell of an attitude to have after that.
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) July 17, 2022
Sunday was tough. The British Open was his for the taking. But given how well he played and all that he’s saying after, you have to think that Rory McIlroy will have another chance at another elusive major championship sooner rather than later.
Next. Cameron Smith has iconic plans for celebration with Claret Jug. dark
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