The one glaring stain was yet another close call at a major championship, this time at Pinehurst No. 2 at the U.S. Open. McIlroy controlled the tournament on the back nine on Sunday but bogeyed three of his final four holes to allow Bryson DeChambeau to swoop in and win his second major title (2020 U.S. Open, Winged Foot).

Rory McIlroy gave himself a passing mark when asked to grade his 2024 season, but that did not come without some notes. Heading into this week's DP World Tour Championship, the 35-year-old has a chance to claim his third straight season-long crown on the European circuit to finish off a campaign many will remember not for his triumphs but rather his shortcomings.