Rory McIlroy couldn’t have left Pinehurst quicker after a late collapse saw him lose the US Open to Bryson DeChambeau on Sunday.
After starting the final day superbly, the Northern Irishman was on course for victory but a nervy finish saw that fall apart.
It culminated in a crucial missed putt from just three yards on the 18th hole which meant he finished on five under par.
He was made to wait for rival DeChambeau to slip up, but despite a trip to the bunker the American kept his cool to par the final hole and win his second US Open by one shot.
McIlroy has four major wins but the last of them came a decade ago at the US PGA Championship.
And this latest heartbreak was too much to bear for the 35-year-old who immediately vacated the premises as soon as DeChambeau sunk his winning putt.
He could be seen fuming in the clubhouse, before making his way to the car park in a hurry and it is reported he was long gone before DeChambeau had even signed his card.
Meanwhile, DeChambeau was emotional upon lifting the trophy, saying: ‘Unfortunately my dad passed a few years ago, so this one is for you. And to Payne Stewart, the reason I went to SMU and the reason I wore that cap.
‘I can’t thank you guys [the fans] for all the support this week. You are the best fans in the world and I can’t thank you enough.
‘I can’t believe that up and down on the last, that was probably the best shot of my life. I haven’t really let it sink in yet.
‘It hasn’t sunk in yet but tonight I want all of you guys [the fans behind him] to somehow touch this trophy because I want you to experience what this feels like for me.
‘You were a part of this journey this week, and I want you to be a part of it for the after party. I want you to be part of it at the afterparty.’
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