Talor Gooch Asterisk Notion Surfaces after Quitting US Open Qualifying
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In the world of golf, Rory McIlroy has achieved something close to GOAT status. As one of the sport's biggest names, anything he does or chooses not to do becomes headline news. Just like his recent decision to avoid speaking to the media for four consecutive days, despite being known for his strong opinions.
That happened during the second major at Quail Hollow, where the green jacket winner had an unimpressive finish. Now, all eyes turn to the U.S. Open next month.
But if McIlroy does win the event, there might be an "asterisk beside it," per LIV Golf's Talor Gooch.
Talor Gooch walks out of U.S. Open qualifying
On May 19th, Talor Gooch abruptly walked off the course for U.S. Open qualifying with three holes to play. He earned a DNF, as he likely knew advancing was beyond his reach.
Golf fans wasted no time mocking him, especially given his previous "asterisk" comment about McIlroy.
INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA - MAY 02: Talor Gooch of Smash GC on10th hole on day one of LIV Golf Korea at Jack Nicklaus GC Korea on May 02, 2025 in Incheon, South Korea. (Photo by...
INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA - MAY 02: Talor Gooch of Smash GC on10th hole on day one of LIV Golf Korea at Jack Nicklaus GC Korea on May 02, 2025 in Incheon, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) More
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Back in 2024, when McIlroy was still chasing his Masters victory to complete the career Grand Slam, Gooch was quick to suggest that if he won, it would come with an "asterisk."
Here's the full Gooch quote: "If Rory McIlroy goes and completes his [career] grand slam without some of the best players in the world, there's just going to be an asterisk.
It's just the reality. I think everybody wins whenever the majors figure out a way to get the best players in the world there."
Although McIlroy later gave Gooch the "benefit of the doubt", the comment sent the golf world into a frenzy, and now, the conversation has reignited.
Gooch becomes a laughing stock among golf fans
As soon as the news broke, fans flooded social media with reactions. NUCLR Golf posted on X:
"This year's U.S. Open will have an asterisk beside it as LIV Golf star Talor Gooch will not be in the field after walking off the course with 3 holes to play at final qualifying. He DNF."
🚨*️⃣🇺🇸 #NEW — This year's U.S. Open will have an asterisk beside it as LIV Golf star Talor Gooch will not be in the field after walking off the course with 3 holes to play at final qualifying. He DNF. pic.twitter.com/Jqwr71cfWS — NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) May 20, 2025
One user responded with an iconic meme GIF from Goodfellas, while others pointed out Gooch's lack of major success:
"He has 1 career win (RSM Classic) when he played on tour." Compared to other players who successfully qualify for majors, Gooch's record doesn't stack up.
Another fan sarcastically referenced Greg Norman's past praise of Gooch, posting:
"Best iron player in the game over last 20 years, they said."
The result? Heavy criticism of Norman for his exaggerated claims.
And the roasting didn't stop there! One golf fan hilariously posted: "Can't call yourself a major if Talor's not in the field."
All told, McIlroy moved into legendary status last month while Gooch remains mostly irrelevant in the golf world.
More Golf: Lefty Forced to Eat His Words after Scottie Scheffler Wins PGA Championship
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