Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickleson. (Image: Getty)
A worrying Rory McIlroy link with golf star Phil Mickelson has emerged following the Northern Irishman’s US Open collapse.
Ten years on from his last major win, McIlroy had the US Open title in the palm of his hands last weekend, only to fumble and give up first place on the leaderboard to Bryson DeChambeau.
It proved a heartwrenching afternoon for McIlroy, who dubbed it the toughest day of his career and later announced he’d be taking a short break from golf altogether.
But the 35-year-old’s performances have suggested he’s trending in the wrong direction, with comparisons drawn up between McIlroy’s recent form and Mickelson’s early days as a professional.
Before winning his first major in April 2004, Mickelson registered 23 top 25 finishes, 17 top 10s, nine top fives and three runner-ups.
The ‘nearly man’ in golf for so long, Mickelson did go on to lift six majors, but McIlroy’s recent efforts suggest he’s taken that mantle off the American.
Since winning his last major in 2014, McIlroy has 26 top 25 finishes to his name, 21 top 10s, 11 top fives and three runner-ups – the most recent being last weekend at Pinehurst.
Not that McIlroy will take well with being compared to Mickelson though, given the two have been involved in a long-standing feud.
Rory McIlroy endured a torrid last day at the US Open. (Image: Getty)
Focused mainly on the emergence of rival tour LIV Golf in 2022, the two have been at odds with each other ever since.
McIlroy had previously spoken out about the hectic schedules golfers on the PGA Tour are put through, with the four-time major winner hinting an off-season might help ease the pressure.
Not one to stay quiet, Mickelson commented on the issue, posting on X: “LIV would be perfect for him.”
A fairly innocuous suggestion, right? Well, Mickelson followed up his original post by saying: “Problem is I don’t think there’s a team that wants him on it because they’d have to deal with all his bs.”
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McIlroy has engaged in the war of words too, previously taunting the LIV Golf defector following his Ryder Cup omission in 2023.
Mickelson had been accused of making a £314,000 bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup – an allegation he vehemently denies – while he was a player on Team USA.
But in the build-up to the 2023 edition, McIlroy poked fun at the claims by saying: “At least he can bet on the Ryder Cup this year because he won’t be a part of it.”
McIlroy is expected to return to the course following his hiatus ahead of next month’s Scottish Open.
