Rory McIlroy concedes that his inability to win the US Open still 'hurts' after missing out on a long-awaited fifth major in June, a memory that remains deeply painful. The Northern Irishman appeared poised to claim his first major since 2014 at Pinehurst, but bogeyed three of the final four holes, finishing one stroke behind Bryson DeChambeau.

"Incredibly consistent again," McIlroy remarked when asked to evaluate his season. "I believe I've been truly proud of that over the past few years. However, when reflecting on the opportunities that slipped away, I could be here with a fifth major title, but I'm not. So that stings, and it's something I need to come to terms with. Nonetheless, I have numerous more chances in the future. This year, I focused on the positives of consistently performing at the highest level, securing three wins with a chance for a fourth here this week, and aiming for another Race to Dubai title.

"Did I achieve every goal I set for myself this year? Probably not. But I still view it as a successful season. Two players [Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele] at the top of the world rankings have won majors. Scottie winning a Masters, a Players Championship, and the Olympics. They have certainly distanced themselves from the rest this year. I'm fully aware of that, and it only fuels my motivation to replicate what they achieved this year."

McIlroy can find solace if he matches Seve Ballesteros by winning a sixth Race to Dubai title. Thriston Lawrence is the only player who can prevent McIlroy from topping the money list for the third consecutive year by winning the DP World Tour Championship, but even that won't suffice if McIlroy finishes 11th or better in the 50-man field in Dubai.

Matching Ballesteros' tally and moving closer to Colin Montgomerie's record of eight titles would be a fitting reward for a season that saw McIlroy win three times and record nine other top 10 finishes. McIlroy's stated ambition is to become the most successful European player of all time, which, in terms of major championship victories, would mean surpassing Harry Vardon's total of seven. Nick Faldo follows with six majors, and Ballesteros won five, though McIlroy acknowledges the charismatic Spaniard played an immeasurable role in the growth of European golf.

"I'm a bit too young to remember much of Seve's career and his achievements," the 35-year-old said. "Seve is almost like a, not a mythical figure to me, but someone who was just a bit before my time. But he was my dad's favorite player, and the immense impact he had on European golf, from a Ryder Cup perspective and what he did for the European Tour, means a lot to the overall game of golf. So to draw level with him and have a career that can somewhat compare to his is very cool."

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