Rory McIlroy Details 'The Ones I've Let Get Away' & Life In The Limelight In New Documentary
Rory McIlroy opens up about his big near miss at the US Open and just what it's like being in the spotlight in a new TV documentary
![Rory McIlroy takes a shot at the DP World Tour Championship](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/N3QntZ5PoBhfpPkR5jB3a8-1280-80.jpg)
Golf fans will get an insight into how Rory McIlroy really feels about his 2024 season in a new Sky Sports documentary - where he reveals the one shot he regrets the most from that dramatic US Open finish.
The new documentary 'Rory McIlroy: Expectation' comes out on 8 December where the Northern Irishman gives his verdict on a season that most golfers would deem a huge success with four wins and another Race To Dubai victory.
McIlroy won twice on the PGA Tour, twice on the DP World Tour and was crowned Europe No.1 for a sixth time to draw level with Seve Ballesteros - and yet there's still a decent amount of regret.
And that's because McIlroy's standards are so high and his golf was so good that he was in position to make 2024 an all-time year with several near misses - including his US Open heartbreak.
"It's hard because on one hand, I sit here and I'm proud of what I've done this year, but then on the other hand I sit here and I am disappointed because of the ones I've let get away," McIlroy told Sky Sports
McIlroy was pipped to his home Irish Open and also lost the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in a play-off - but it's the late slip at Pinehurst No.2 in the US Open that hurts most.
And McIlroy has indentified where he went wrong to let Bryson DeChambeau claim the title after a thrilling finish.
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.
"I'd say it was a combination of everything. I wouldn't say it's specifically the putts. I wouldn't say it's specifically the club choices - I think it's a combination," McIlroy admitted.
"The putt on 16 was probably the one that I'll look back on most that I'll regret. But I think if I had made par on 15, do I miss that putt on 16?"
McIlroy also pointed out that due to the layout at Pinehurst, he could watch DeChambeau playing behind him - which maybe resulted in him taking his eye off the ball.
"Also, with the last few holes and with the way Pinehurst flows, I was waiting for Bryson to hit his shots," said McIlroy.
"You're very aware of what's happening behind you and I needed to do a better job of trying to block that out and I didn't. It's hard enough just having to concentrate on yourself and focus on what you're doing.
"Whenever your attention is taken away by focusing and looking at what your competitor does, it makes it even more difficult."
As a four-time Major champion and one of the most high-profile players in golf, McIlroy is under the spotlight more than most, but he says that although it can be tough it's a privilege to be in his position.
"I think what the hard thing is in my position is your disappointments and your mistakes keep getting brought up to you every time that you get in front of a camera or you're in a press conference or answering questions," he added.
"At the same time, I am in a very fortunate position that this is what I get to do for a living. If I have to deal with what people deem are unfair expectations or are held to a higher standard than others, then so be it.
"I feel like that's a very privileged position to be in. I'd much rather have it this way than if people didn't really care about what I was doing on the golf course."
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.
-
How Often Should You Upgrade Your Golf Clubs?
Keeping your equipment up to date could help you maximise performance, but how often should you change your clubs and how will you know the time is right?
By Fergus Bisset Published
-
'There's A Reason They Didn't Want Him' - Jerry Foltz Fires Back At Eugenio Chacarra After Spaniard's Parting LIV Golf Criticism
Following brutal comments from Chacarra about the PIF-backed circuit, the LIV broadcaster questioned his performance and character over the past two years
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Rory McIlroy Delivers His Verdict On Greg Norman's LIV Golf Exit
Rory McIlroy had some rare words of praise for Greg Norman after it was confirmed the Australian had been replaced as LIV Golf CEO
By Paul Higham Published
-
When And Where Will Rory McIlroy Play Next?
Catch up on Rory McIlroy's 2025 playing schedule and results, plus find out where and when one of golf's biggest stars will be playing next
By Paul Higham Published
-
Watch The Dubai Desert Classic: Live Streams, TV Channels, Schedule As Rory McIlroy Makes 2025 Debut In DP World Tour Rolex Series Event
Rory McIlroy makes his 2025 debut in the DP World Tour event – here are all the details on how to watch the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic online and on TV.
By Patrick Fletcher Published
-
Five Key Takeaways From Rory McIlroy's Hero Dubai Desert Classic Press Conference
Speaking to the media at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on Wednesday, the four-time Major winner covered a number of topics as he gets his 2025 season underway
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Rory McIlroy Explains New Tiny Training Aid At Dubai Desert Classic
The four-time Major winner was spotted using a unique training aid on the range at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, specifically a small golf club
By Matt Cradock Published
-
YouTube Star Grant Horvat Follows Tiger Woods Video With Rory McIlroy Collab
The social media star revealed the link-up on Instagram stories, with further details expected on Monday
By Mike Hall Published
-
Report: Rory McIlroy Tipped For India Debut In Lucrative New Tournament
The Hindustan Times is reporting that Delhi Golf Club will host a $5 million event towards the latter stages of the DP World Tour's 2025 campaign
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Report: Viewing Figures For The Showdown Lower Than Most Editions Of The Match
The Las Vegas contest, which saw PGA Tour stars play LIV golfers, reportedly had relatively disappointing viewing figures across two networks that broadcast it
By Mike Hall Published