'I've Gone Back And Forth On Texts With Rory' - Jay Monahan Has His Say On McIlroy Taking A Break After US Open Heartbreak
Jay Monahan has been in touch with Rory McIlroy over his decision to take a break from golf in the aftermath of his US Open heartbreak


After his US Open collapse on Sunday, Rory McIlroy is right to step away from golf for a break to recover - with both Jay Monahan and Xander Schauffele backing his decision.
McIlroy had the US Open in his hands down the closing stretch at Pinehurst No.2, but two short missed putts saw him hand it over to Bryson DeChambeau - who made that incredible up-and-down at the last to win it.
It means the decade-long wait for a fifth Major goes on for McIlroy, but the manner of this near miss will cut so much deeper than any others in the last 10 years.
The Northern Irishman left Pinehurst without talking to the media and was in the air flying home almost before DeChambeau had lifted the trophy - and he then said he was withdrawing from this week's Travelers Championship.
It's a Signature Event so a big one for the PGA Tour, but commissioner Jay Monahan has exchanged text messages with McIlroy and feels he made the right decision.
"I've gone back and forth on texts with Rory, and he's - listen, I think his statement said exactly what he's feeling," said Monahan.
"And so, as it relates to him not being here, I think, for all of us, in your job, you oftentimes have to think about what it is that you need.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
"And I think there are certain times when you're playing the game at this high level - and Xander said it exceedingly well yesterday, sometimes you just need to focus on what you need. And that's what he's doing and that's exactly what he should be doing because that's what he thinks is the right path.
"We're going to have a great Travelers Championship and looking forward to getting Rory back in Scotland."
Rory McIlroy misses from 2ft 6in.pic.twitter.com/o2ME9ZfPaxJune 16, 2024
A clearly heartbroken McIlroy described Sunday as his toughest day as a pro and will not return to golf until the Scottish Open next month - the week before The Open at Royal Troon.
PGA Championship winner Schauffele also empathized with McIlroy and said taking time away was the best plan to try and get over such a huge blow.
"As a competitor all of us have had our highs and lows to a certain degree," said Schauffele. "It's a tough spot. It for sure is a tough spot.
"I'm sure him and his team are discussing what happened and sometimes you just need to step away from it all and really try and be as objective as possible, because you're very much in the moment there and it obviously didn't go his way and he's just, you know, he needs some time away to figure out what's going on."
Many have questioned just how McIlroy will cope with losing the US Open in such a way, as everything looked to have finally fallen his way when he found himself two shots clear with just four holes to play.
Questions over his club selections, his putting, his mental toughness, and even having Harry Diamond as his caddie have all been raised in the aftermath - and are questions McIlroy will have to deal with when he returns to the golfing spotlight.
Paul Higham is a sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in covering most major sporting events for both Sky Sports and BBC Sport. He is currently freelance and covers the golf majors on the BBC Sport website. Highlights over the years include covering that epic Monday finish in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor and watching Rory McIlroy produce one of the most dominant Major wins at the 2011 US Open at Congressional. He also writes betting previews and still feels strangely proud of backing Danny Willett when he won the Masters in 2016 - Willett also praised his putting stroke during a media event before the Open at Hoylake. Favourite interviews he's conducted have been with McIlroy, Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn, Rickie Fowler and the enigma that is Victor Dubuisson. A big fan of watching any golf from any tour, sadly he spends more time writing about golf than playing these days with two young children, and as a big fair weather golfer claims playing in shorts is worth at least five shots. Being from Liverpool he loves the likes of Hoylake, Birkdale and the stretch of tracks along England's Golf Coast, but would say his favourite courses played are Kingsbarns and Portrush.
-
The 9 Infuriating Etiquette Errors I See Most Often
Most things about the game of golf bring me joy, but these etiquette gaffes are more common than they should be and wind me up on a consistent basis
By Nick Bonfield Published
-
Who Is Luke Clanton's Caddie? Meet Jason Wiertel
Luke Clanton was one of the first graduates from the PGA Tour U Accelerated program and has been with his caddie since long before turning professional
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Impressive Players Championship TV Ratings Show Rory McIlroy Is Golf's Needle Mover
McIlroy's victory at The Players Championship drew an increase in viewership over 2024, with his recent victories on the PGA Tour showing that he could well be the new needle mover
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Rory McIlroy Adds New Event To Pre-Masters Schedule
McIlroy will make his debut in the Houston Open next week, the World No.2 has confirmed
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Rory McIlroy Reunited With Old Clubs After Near $1000 Uber Ride
The four-time Major winner switched back to his old clubs at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, with the Uber trip to get them costing a near $1000
By Matt Cradock Published
-
College Golfer Apologizes After Being Removed From TPC Sawgrass For Heckling Rory McIlroy
University of Texas golfer, Luke Potter made a comment to McIlroy during Tuesday's practice round which caused the World No.2 to take his phone
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'Something Went Terribly Wrong If I Have To Compete At 50' - Rory McIlroy Categorically Rules Out Playing Senior Tour Golf
Asked about his long-term plans, the Northern Irishman insisted he would not be visiting the Champions Tour once he's retired from pro golf
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Rory McIlroy Reveals Multiple Equipment Changes At Arnold Palmer Invitational
The Northern Irishman has made a number of tweaks to his gear setup ahead of this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'I Don't Think The PGA Tour Needs A Deal. I Think The Momentum Is Pretty Strong' - Rory McIlroy On PGA Tour-PIF Deal And Why He's Adding An Extra Tournament To His Schedule
The four-time Major winner had plenty to say on a range of subjects affecting the men's elite game - here are six of the key talking points
By Mike Hall Published
-
Seminole Pro-Member Scores 2025: Where Did Tiger Woods And Rory McIlroy Finish?
New Zealand's Ryan Fox and his playing partner, Jimmy Dunne III almost claimed a clean sweep at the exclusive one-day event in south-east Florida...
By Jonny Leighfield Published