RORY MCILROY received a message of sympathy from legends Michael Jordan and Rafael Nadal after he threw away last month’s US Open.

McIlroy missed two tiny putts in the final three holes to hand Bryson DeChambeau a one shot win at Pinehurst.

And he has now opened up about how Jordan reminded him that could happen to anyone.

McIlroy explained: “MJ was maybe the first person to text me after I missed the putt on the 18th.

“He reminded me of how many game-winning shots he missed. Really nice.”

Tennis great Rafa Nadal was another sporting pal who reached out to McIlroy, and the four-time major champion said their support definitely lessened the pain of defeat.

He revealed: “Rafa Nadal and Michael Jordan. Two of the most unbelievable competitors that have ever been in sport – both of them got in touch very, very quickly. They just told me to keep going.”

McIlroy, 35, says his performance to finish fourth at the Scottish Open in his first outing since Pinehurst shows he took their advice – and has put him in a great place to win this week’s Open at Troon.

He added: “I’d say people would be surprised to see how quickly I got over it and moved on. Was it a great opportunity to win a major? Absolutely. It hurt and in the moment it was tough. Terrible.

“But if the tournament ended after 68 holes, people would be calling me the best golfer in the world.

“Yes, I was in a great winning position and should have won. But it’s not the first time I have let something slip away.

“We win far more than we lose in golf, so it’s probably not going to be the last. It was tough but it is one tournament.”

And he admitted losing the 2022 Open at St Andrews, when he looked to be in total control heading into the back nine, was far more painful.

He was in tears as Cameron Smith lifted the Claret Jug, but said the pain of Pinehurst did not provoke the same reaction.

He commented: “St Andrews hurt way more than this one. Oh my God.

“I didn’t cry after this. But St Andrews – the 150th Open and a three-shot lead on ten. Plus, the crowd support I got there was unreal.

“But the great thing about this game is you have an opportunity to get back on the horse right after a tough loss. You try to learn from it and do better next time.”