The 35-year-old McIlroy lost to the 37-year-old Horschel on the second playoff hole at the Wentworth Club in England, with the American securing victory with an eagle putt on the 18th hole.

“I’m thrilled and excited about my performance,” Horschel told reporters. “I fought out there today. But at the same time, I’m a little disappointed. Rory is a really good friend of mine and I think very highly of him. I think he’s a once-in-a-generation talent and I know how close he was this year, so I can empathize with him.”

McIlory has been plagued by near-defeats in his career in 2024.

The Northern Irishman missed out on the US Open title in June when he collapsed on the home straight and Bryson DeChambeau celebrated his second major victory.

The tournament took place a few days after McIlroy reversed his divorce from Stoll, whom he had been married to for seven years.

Divorce documents were originally filed in May and stated that the marriage was “irretrievably broken.”

A lawyer for McIlroy filed a notice of voluntary dismissal weeks later, Page Six reported.

“Over the past few weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future is as a family together,” McIlroy said in a statement to The Guardian in June. “Fortunately, we have put aside our differences and look forward to a fresh start.”

Stoll partnered McIlroy at the Genesis Scottish Open in July, where he finished fourth.

Despite missing out on Sunday’s $1.53 million prize money, McIlroy remains optimistic about the limited options he has left in 2024.

“I think if I continue to work on the things I’m working on on the range, it can only bode well for the future. I take pride in working on my swing and still going out there and having a really good chance to win,” McIlroy said, according to ESPN.

“I’m excited about the future. I’m playing well. I keep giving myself chances. … I just need to pick myself up and prepare for the last three events of the year.”