Rory McIlroy did something to a golf ball on Thursday morning that only a few people on the planet could even dream of. Unfortunately, moments later, he did something that every golfer can relate to.
The four-time major champ’s 16th hole on Day 1 at the 2023 Players was a wild swing of emotions. Let’s start with the positive. After hitting his drive way right on the par 5, Rory attempted—and pulled off to perfection—an all-time ridiculous recovery shot.
From the pine straw, McIlroy punched a shot low enough to avoid a tree in front of him, but that somehow remained high enough to carry nearly 200 yards to fly the water. Oh, and with that bullet trajectory, he also managed to get the ball to stop before going over the green and into the water. The result was nothing short of spectacular. See for yourself:
These guys are good, huh? You love to see it.
But we won’t show you what happened next. Left with about 28 feet for eagle, McIlroy blew his first putt about seven feet past the hole and missed the comebacker for birdie. You hate to see it.
Considering where his second shot could have ended up, a par wouldn’t be a bad score, but knowing where it did end up? Yeah, a three-putt par is a pretty disappointing result.
And it was just part of a disappointing start for the 2019 Players champ and reigning FedEx Cup champ. McIlroy double bogeyed the 10th hole to start his tournament and is currently four over through 12 holes at the time of this post.
On the bright side (maybe?), McIlroy tripled his opening hole at the Tour Championship in August, and that didn’t stop him from winning that week.