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Rory McIlroy started the fourth round of the Open Championship tied for first place on Sunday with a four-time lead over eventual winner Cam Smith.
McIlroy did not find his hit with the putter.
He only made two birdies in the final round and finished with a 70, which would probably have won him the tournament had it not been for Smith’s eight birdies. McIlroy fell to third after Cameron Young recorded an eagle on the 18th.
The Northern Irishman spoke to NBC’s Kathryn Tappen after the round.
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Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his second shot in the fourth hole during the final round of The 150th Open at The Old Course in St. Petersburg. Andrews on July 17, 2022, at St. Andrews, Scotland. (David Cannon / Getty Images)
“Just a disappointment I guess,” he said when asked his thoughts on the round. “I had a great opportunity to add to that important record, and I didn’t quite do it. I didn’t feel like I had done a lot of bad things. The putter kept me cold there, pretty much all round. I did what I wanted, I played a very controlled round of golf, I didn’t take advantage of some of the holes I had been taking advantage of this week.
“Both Camerons, but especially Cam Smith, did this race in the last nine. I really had to try to dig deep and do some birds, and I just couldn’t. The best player beat me this week. Go out throwing 64 to win an Open Championship in St. Andrews is a hell of a show. Get your hat off to Cam, it’s been an amazing week. “
THE OPEN 2022 CHAMPIONSHIP: CAM SMITH COLLECTS THE FIRST MAJOR TITLE AFTER THE INCREDIBLE FINAL ROUND
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland recognizes the crowd at Green 18 during the Open 150 at St. Andrews Old Course on July 17, 2022, at St. Andrews, Scotland. (Harry How / Getty Images)
McIlroy said he knew he could win the tournament, which would have been his first major title in eight years. He won the Open Championship and the PGA Championship in 2014.
“I knew I could do it,” he said. “I love this golf course. I play well here. The last two Open I’ve played here I’ve finished third both times. It’s coming up. I think all this important season: second in Augusta, third here, fifth in the US “Open, eighth in the PGA: I’m knocking on the door. I just need to be patient and keep knocking on the door, and finally one will open for me again.”
Although the major tournaments of the golf season are over, the FedEx Cup is still in play for McIlroy. It ranks fourth after the Scottish Open. He has 1,894 points in 12 tests. Scottie Scheffler is the leader with 3,514 after four victories in FedEx Cup tournaments.
Rory McIlroy, from Northern Ireland, is shot down on the 18th green during the 150th Open in St. Andrews Old Course on July 17, 2022 at St. Andrews, Scotland. (Ross Kinnaird / Getty Images)
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There are six tournaments left on the PGA Tour 2021-22 calendar. The 3M Open is scheduled for July 21st.
Ryan Gaydos is the sports editor for Fox News and Fox Business. Story tips can be sent to Ryan.Gaydos@fox.com.