Rory McIlroy’s performance in the recent golf tournament was nothing short of impressive. With a walk-in birdie putt on the 18th hole, McIlroy showcased his skill and finesse on the green. However, it seems that there was an element of surprise to his success.
In a post-game interview, McIlroy revealed that he had actually thought he had left the putt short. This confession added a touch of humility to his victory, as he admitted that he had initially underestimated the shot. Nonetheless, the ball found its way into the hole, much to McIlroy’s delight. “I thought I’d left it short. That’s why I walked off it. Full disclosure. It looked good, though,” he said with a smile.
This birdie putt was crucial for McIlroy as it brought him to a score of 5-under-par, putting him in a tie with Patrick Cantlay for the top spot on the leaderboard. McIlroy’s round consisted of five birdies, 13 pars, and zero bogeys, showcasing his consistency and precision throughout the tournament.
What made McIlroy’s performance even more remarkable was the fact that he was playing alongside Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, both of whom are ranked higher than him in the world rankings. Scheffler finished the round at T36 after going 1-over-par, while Schauffele ended up at T17 with an even-par 70. Despite the tough competition, McIlroy thrived in their presence.
In fact, McIlroy admitted that playing in such high-profile groups gave him an extra boost of motivation. After being on the professional circuit for over 16 years, he acknowledged that sometimes he needs that extra push to get his competitive juices flowing. Being surrounded by top-ranked players like Scheffler and Schauffele certainly provided that extra spark for him. “I enjoy playing in these groups. When you’ve been out here for, whatever it is, 16 or 17 years, sometimes you need a little extra to get the juices going, and being in a group like that definitely helps,” McIlroy explained.
McIlroy’s performance in the tournament showcased not only his technical skill and mental fortitude but also his ability to thrive under pressure. Walking away with a tie for the lead, he proved once again why he is considered one of the best golfers in the world. With his sights set on further success, McIlroy’s journey in the world of golf continues to captivate fans and fellow players alike.