Rory McIlroy Teaches Jimmy Fallon a Lesson on Tonight Show

Newsweek

02-05-2025

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Rory McIlroy donned his brand new green jacket for the first time in public when he appeared as a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday. The reigning Masters champion had the opportunity to discuss a variety of topics and even gave the host, who is a huge fan of the sport, a golf lesson.
One of the highlights of the show was a video clip rescued by producers of an 8-year-old McIlroy demonstrating how he used to practice his chipping by using his mother's washing machine as a target.
Fallon arranged for the two to recreate the scene on set and compete to see who could do it better.
"As a Masters champion, I should not lose to you," McIlroy joked.
The competition was for the first to get three balls into the washing machines. The Northern Irishman needed only four balls to complete the challenge (the fourth was a close call), earning a standing ovation from the audience.
.@McIlroyRory and Jimmy go head-to-head chipping golf balls into washing machines like Rory used to do as a kid 🤣 #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/wQlOPGqXI6 — The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) May 2, 2025
Ahead of this unique golfing challenge, McIlroy and Fallon discussed the significance of the Masters Tournament victory. The title gave the five-time major champion the Grand Slam of golf, which stands out among the achievements of his career:
"Six people ever have achieved the Grand Slam in golf," McIlroy said. "Only four of us are living. You know, Gary Player is 90 years old, Jack (Nicklaus) is 85 or 86, then there's Tiger and myself. It's really cool to be a part of."
The 29-time PGA Tour winner described some of the ins and outs of his victory, including how he spent his time away from competition. McIlroy described the importance of not thinking too much about the tournament while not competing, so he spent his time watching movies and shows.
Among the titles he mentioned watching during the historic weekend were Bridgerton, which he watched with his wife, Erica, and Zootopia, which he shared with his daughter, Poppy.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the Masters trophy during the Green Jacket Ceremony after winning the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the Masters trophy during the Green Jacket Ceremony after winning the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia.Jimmy Fallon is a huge golf fan and regularly invites golf stars to appear on his show, including the legendary Tiger Woods. In fact, McIlroy recalled his last appearance on the show when he said he would not return until he won the Masters, which he obviously did.
Rory McIlroy won the 2025 Masters Tournament, defeating Justin Rose in a playoff. Both finished tied on 11 under after 72 holes.
The 35-year-old ended an 11-year cycle of trying to complete golf's career Grand Slam. He had previously won the US Open in 2011, the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014, and The Open Championship in 2014.
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