But this defeat is so savage it prompts questions for the future. What happens the next time he has a major within his grasp? How does he banish such painful memories?
More pertinently what does he do to change the script?
McIlroy has always been a one man band on the course. He knows best and his best is often brilliant.
He loves the fact that he strides the fairways with his Belfast boyhood pal, Harry Diamond, at his side.
He pinches himself at such a scenario – that they together have lifted so many trophies – Ryder Cups, the Players, World Golf Championships and season long titles on both sides of the pond.
Many contend that he should have a gnarled, experienced bagman at his side, someone who simply would not allow a meltdown such as the one we witnessed here in North Carolina.
Scott had the great Steve Williams at his side at Lytham. It is not the caddie who misses the kind of crucial tiddlers that sealed McIlroy’s fate at Pinehurst.
But they do play a key role and Williams was an invaluable asset the following April at Augusta when Scott became the first Aussie to win the Masters.
No one knows whether McIlroy would be better off with a different caddie, or a different mind or putting coach or media manager for that matter. Not even him.
But these questions must surely be on the agenda as he seeks a recovery plan. Something has to radically change because you cannot keep doing the same things and expect an altered outcome. Madness.
DeChambeau stated McIlroy “will win many more majors” just as Woods had said in April that it is only a matter of time before the Ulsterman completes the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters.
They were being nice.
Of course he has the raw ability but what about the mental capacity?
What Pinehurst reinforced was that there are absolutely no guarantees that he will land major number five. And the pain from this will endure – just ask Adam Scott.
Scott used his Lytham defeat to fuel a fire that brought Masters glory. If only, for McIlroy. It will not be that easy.
But he has to get get back on the horse. And try to ensure he is not kicked in the teeth by it. Again.
