In a surprising turn of events at the 2024 U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy's devastating missed putt on the 18th hole has sparked controversy as Jon Rahm accuses NBC's golf announcers of severely underplaying the difficulty of the shot. McIlroy's collapse on the final day of the tournament saw him bogey three of his last four holes, allowing Bryson DeChambeau to claim victory at Pinehurst No. 2 on Sunday.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Rahm expressed his belief that the broadcasters failed to accurately convey the true challenge of McIlroy's putt. He called attention to remarks made by NBC's Smylie Kaufman, claiming that he severely underplayed the difficulty of the shot. Rahm explained that hitting the putt left-center and missing the hole would have resulted in McIlroy being off the green due to the steep slope. He noted that McIlroy aimed at least a cup left from three feet, emphasizing the level of difficulty that was not adequately highlighted by the announcers.

However, Rahm also acknowledged that the announcers may have struggled to fully understand the course's intricacies without firsthand experience. He recognized the limited time they have to provide commentary and expressed understanding for their challenges. Rahm, who withdrew from the U.S. Open due to a foot ailment, cut the announcers some slack, recognizing that the difficulty of the course may not have been fully conveyed.

McIlroy's struggles were further underscored by his missed putt on the 16th hole, marking his first failure from within three feet in 496 attempts throughout the year. Following the tournament, McIlroy left Pinehurst without speaking to the media. However, he later took to social media to acknowledge Bryson DeChambeau's deserving win and describe his own disappointment.

In a post on X, McIlroy labeled the U.S. Open as one of the toughest days of his professional golfing career. He admitted to ruing the missed putts on the 16th and 18th holes, which he believed had a significant impact on his chances. Despite the setbacks, McIlroy chose to focus on the positives of the week and expressed his resilience, stating that he feels closer than ever to winning his next major championship.

McIlroy, who has previously won four major championships, expressed his determination to bounce back and prepare for his upcoming tournaments, including his defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon. The golfer announced that he would be taking a few weeks away from the game to reflect and rebuild his strength, signifying his unwavering commitment to the sport.

As the controversy surrounding McIlroy's missed putt continues to dominate the golfing world's attention, fans eagerly anticipate his return and the opportunity for redemption on the golf course.