Reckless Rory

The 124th U.S. Open gave us a spectacular Sunday. Bryson DeChambeau completed his Q-rating comeback. Rory McIlroy made an early charge on the front nine before choking on short putts on 16 & 18. The Major was decided by Bryson making a jaw-dropping greenside bunker shot to give him a win and us the best major finish in over a decade.

Sadly, the thing we were left with yesterday was not the outstanding conclusion on the course but the lasting image in the parking lot of Rory speeding off with reckless abandon after Bryson had won. Sunday was not just the conclusion of the 124th U.S. Open but was also Father's Day. I enjoyed the back nine on the couch next to my old man, beer in hand, thrilled by the skill level of these competitors, happy to share a sports moment. Then it happened.

My father tried to cover my eyes, but it happened so fast. I saw it. Rory McIlroy threw his clubs in the back of a tournament-sponsored Lexus, backed out of the parking lot, and spun his tires a little getting out of the parking lot. He did not talk.

We sat in stunned silence. For the second time in only three weeks, we had witnessed a top-ten golfer commit a reckless act in a vehicle. Rory can be seen in the video not looking over his shoulder, buckling his seatbelt, or having his hands at ten and two on the wheel. The screaming tires will stay with me longer than Bryson's 50-yard bunker shot or either of Rory's lipped-out putts.

With this latest display of reckless auto abandon, I think it's time we ask the hard questions. Does the PGA have a driving problem? Should Rory seek treatment? And who will explain to the youth that you should use your mirrors in tandem with the backup cam of a tournament-sponsored Lexus?

I am happy for Bryson winning his second major and completing his face turn. However, I am deeply disturbed by the parking lot antics of Rory McIlroy and hope he can get the help he needs.