RORY MCILROY has broken his silence after his US Open heartbreak and opened up on the “toughest day in 17 years”.

The Northern Irishman, 35, came agonisingly close to ending his 10-year wait for a major title on Sunday.

However, with five holes left to play he carded three bogeys to squander a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau.

McIlroy handed his rival an unexpected lifeline after missing a par putt from four feet on the final hole, and DeChambeau grabbed the opportunity with both hands to wrap up the title.

Now the golfer, who just days ago called off his divorce from wife Erica Stoll, has released a statement on X about his crushing setback.

He wrote: “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.

“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now. I think we can all agree on that.

“As I reflect on my week, I’ll rue a few things over the course of the tournament, mostly the 2 missed putts on 16 and 18 on the final day. But, as I always try to do, I’ll look at the positives of the week that far outweigh the negatives.

“As I said at the start of the tournament, I feel closer to winning my next major championship than I ever have.

“The one word that I would describe my career as is resilient. I’ve shown my resilience over and over again in the last 17 years and I will again.”

McIlroy added: “I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon. See you in Scotland.”

McIlroy’s divorce U-turn was less than a month after he initially filed paperwork to split with the mother of his three-year-old daughter.

Allegations were made in the American media that McIlroy had enjoyed a romance with Amanda Balionis, 38.

He was then pictured hugging the CBS Sports star, fuelling speculation the pair were dating, before the news of reconciliation with Stoll.

But while he was suffering disappointment on the course, Balionis was kicking back on the beach.

Questions have been raised over recent months regarding the TV reporter’s two-year marriage to college football coach Bryn Renner, who is also a tech company account manager. 

They got engaged in 2021 and wed the next year but Balionis has not worn her wedding ring since February on her social media posts.

Although it is understood that neither of them have filed for divorce, she has changed her username on X from her married moniker of Balionis Renner to just her maiden name of Balionis.

Meanwhile, McIlroy has been spotted with his wife for the first time since the couple called off their divorce.

They were seen with their daughter in Florida on Monday.

Stoll was wearing her engagement ring, while her husband had his wedding band.