Xander Schauffele offers verdict on Rory McIlroy's latest PGA Tour decision

Xander Schauffele has backed Rory McIlroy's decision to take an extended break from golf after his dramatic late collapse at the 2024 US Open.

McIlroy, 35, has finally broken his silence over what unfolded at Pinehurst No.2 on Sunday evening by confirming he'll take a few weeks off. 

The Northern Irishman appeared as though he was hurtling towards ending his major drought. 

But the PGA Tour star came unstuck in the most devastating fashion, missing two crucial putts inside four feet. 

Then he watched in horror as Bryson DeChambeau produced one of the most remarkable sand saves in recent memory. 

Truly, it was a US Open for the ages. But the inquest into McIlroy's latest 'choke' is well underway. 

McIlroy says it was likely one of the 'toughest' days of his 17-year career as he belatedly congratulated the LIV Golf player. 

Colin Montgomerie told GolfMagic earlier in the week he fears that Sir Nick Faldo's prognosis might be right. 

Monty also told us he believed that McIlroy acted 'with dignity' as he stormed out and refused to face the music. 

The aforementioned Schauffele knows what it's like to wait years to finally get over the hurdle in a major championship. 

He made his debut in the 2016-2017 season and was destined for superstardom after being awarded the rookie of the year award. 

But it took him until last month's PGA Championship to finally get over the line after a number of close calls. 

He was asked by a reporter before this week's Travelers Championship: "How much empathy do you have for what he went through?"

"As a competitor all of us have had our highs and lows to a certain degree," he said. "It's a tough spot. It for sure is a tough spot.

"I'm sure him and his team are discussing what happened and sometimes you just need to step away from it all and really try and be as objective as possible, because you're very much in the moment there and it obviously didn't go his way and he's just, you know, he needs some time away to figure out what's going on."

McIlroy has said his next start will be in three weeks' time as he attempts to defend his Scottish Open title before heading to Royal Troon for the 152nd Open Championship. 

"I was pulling for Patrick"

Despite expressing sympathy for McIlroy, Schauffele said he was rooting for his buddy Patrick Cantlay to get the job done last week. 

Cantlay played in the penultimate group with the Ulsterman and in the end finished only two shots behind DeChambeau. 

Schauffele was asked if Patty Ice picked his brain given his exploits at Valhalla. 

"I mean, typically any time I'm not in the hunt in a tournament myself as a competitor I'm going to pull for him," he said.  

"I was pulling for him to pull through on Sunday there. 

"No, I mean, we compete and practice a lot, so we haven't really talked too much about it. 

"We had a little celebration there back in Jupiter together, which was nice. But kind of just head down. 

"We sort of take care of our own business and try to get ready and compete at a high level every week. 

"I'm sure it's been motivating though. He plays with me all the time and he beats me all the time, so I think deep down he knows he's going to do it too."

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