Devastated Rory McIlroy sees US Open official rescue him from Netflix film crew

A kind-hearted USPGA official stepped into the breach to offer heartbroken Rory McIlroy some breathing space in the immediate aftermath of his Pinehurst pain.

McIlory’s search for his next major stretched to 10 years at the weekend after blowing a two-shot lead at the US Open. Netflix camera crews were tailing the Irishman as he headed back to his dressing room where they looked to capture footage for Full Swing – the hit streaming show about the PGA Tour. McIlory appeared on the brink of ending his long major drought before his putting went haywire down the stretch which opened the door for Bryson DeChambeau to reign supreme.

USGA CEO Mike Whan abruptly stopped his work on the post-tournament ceremony to address the situation as McIlroy and his entourage made their way through Pinehurst's clubhouse corridor toward the champions' locker room, a Netflix crew, complete with camera and boom mic, followed closely behind, reports golf.com.

Whan is claimed to have questioned the security guards with a pointed, "Do we want them in there?" Whan's move suggested he was considerate of the fact McIlroy had just experienced a difficult moment on the course and needed his own space.

McIlroy reportedly reappeared from the locker room a few minutes later, looking dejected as he slung his bag over his shoulder. He was accompanied by caddie Harry Diamond and agent Sean O’Flaherty, and no words were exchanged.

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