Rory McIlroy Confirms What Everyone Was Thinking About Crazy Shot at Open Championship

Newsweek

20-07-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
If you think what happened to Rory McIlroy on the 11th hole during the third round of the Open Championship is absolutely mind-blowing, you're not alone. Even an experienced player like the Northern Irishman had never seen anything like it.
McIlroy unearthed a ball that was exactly underneath his own when he played his second shot on the 11th hole. It's a ball that someone lost there who knows how long ago, and it only came to light in this unexpected way.
Wait ... what?! What are the odds? 🤯
Watch @TheOpen live on NBC. pic.twitter.com/d2NQCGeF48 — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 19, 2025
"It's never happened to me before," said McIlroy after his performance, according to the transcripts of his post-round press conference. "It could never happen on any other course but a links course as well. When the rough is all matted down and the balls get (piled up) ... it was very strange."
This strange occurrence contributed to McIlroy's only bogey of the day. However, the five-time major champion didn't make a big deal out of it.
"I could have done better with the chip shot there anyway," he said, according to the transcripts. "I mean, making bogey on 11 is not the end of the world. It's a tough hole."
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits his second shot on the 2nd hole during Day Three of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 19, 2025 in Portrush, United Kingdom.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits his second shot on the 2nd hole during Day Three of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 19, 2025 in Portrush, United Kingdom.Rory McIlroy Still Had a Remarkable Round
This was McIlroy's only significant stumble, as he charged forward during the third round to move into contention for the Open Championship title. He carded a 5-under 66 for the round, adding to his bogey with four birdies and a spectacular eagle on the 12th hole.
"The eagle on 12 was one of the coolest moments of ... it's one of the largest roars I've ever heard on a golf course. So that was a really cool moment," McIlroy said according to the transcripts.
It's no wonder the crowds have followed McIlroy so fervently at Royal Portrush, where he is playing as the local hero. Not only is it Northern Ireland, but his hometown of Holywood in County Down is just 70 miles from the iconic venue.
His performance on Saturday set his 54-hole score at 8-under, and he'll enter the final round tied for fourth, six strokes behind leader Scottie Scheffler. He was paired with Matt Fitzpatrick for the final round, with a tee time of 9:20 a.m. Eastern Time.
More Golf: The Open Makes Brutal Change to End Old Tactics Used by Players