Michael Jordan’s Powerful Message to Rory McIlroy After US Open Failure

Rory McIlroy says Michael Jordan contacted him after his disappointment at the US Open last month.

The Northern Irish golfer missed two crucial putts on the final three holes of Pinehurst No. 2, including one on the 18th, to allow Bryson DeChambeau to win the U.S. Open by one stroke. That extended McIlroy’s wait for his first major since 2014.

The 35-year-old appeared depressed as he quickly left Pinehurst and only returned to action at the Scottish Open last week. However, he says he has overcome his heartbreak, thanks to encouragement from tennis star Rafael Nadal and basketball icon Jordan.

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“Rafael Nadal and Michael Jordan,” McIlroy said when asked by the Guardian if any big names had contacted him. “Two of the most incredible competitors that have ever existed in sport.

“MJ may have been the first person to message me after I missed the putt on 18, but they both got back to me really, really quickly. They just told me to keep going. MJ reminded me how many winning shots he’s missed. Really nice.”

McIlroy is confident he won’t let disappointment get him down as he prepares for The Open Championship at Royal Troon this week. “Was it a great opportunity to win a major? Absolutely,” he said. “It hurt and at the time it was tough, terrible.