Share
Sports

Watch: Rory McIlroy's incredible chip for eagle at Masters

Share

There’s something to be said for local knowledge at the Masters.

It’s no coincidence that Jack Nicklaus won six green jackets, Tiger Woods four and Phil Mickelson three.

The more you play Augusta National, the more you know where to hit, and more importantly where not to.

Rory McIlroy is right there among the very best golfers in the world. He’s won the U.S. Open, the British Open and two PGA titles.

But this is the tournament he wants the most, the one he needs to complete the career Grand Slam.

Trending:
KJP Panics, Hangs Up in Middle of Interview When Reporter Shows He Isn't a Democratic Party Propagandist

Nobody will ever forget McIlroy’s epic collapse on the back nine at Augusta in 2011.

Even after his early struggles, the Irishman still held the lead until it all fell apart, shooting a final round 80.

That was his golden chance. Since then, his best finish was fourth, four shots back of Jordan Spieth in 2015.

What the 28-year-old did Saturday won’t erase those painful memories, but it could just be what lifts him over this final hurdle.

Are you rooting for Rory McIlroy to win the Masters?

Patrick Reed leads the tournament by three shots, but thanks to a chip for the ages, McIlroy will tee off Sunday in the final group, alongside the man he has to beat.

It happened on the par-5 eighth hole, when Rory went past the green with his second shot.

That left him in a precarious situation — a delicate shot with not much green to work with.

Oh, and once the ball landed on the green, there was no easy way to stop it. Unless …

Related:
Golf Tour CEO Reveals Transgender Ban Came After Pro Females Were Defeated by Male and Had an 'Overwhelming' Response

As incredible as that was, Reed did him one better, eagling the 13th and 15th holes.

The final twosome will have the weight of the world on their shoulders.

“There’s a lot more players in this tournament than just Patrick and I,” McIlroy told reporters Saturday. “It won’t be quite as intense, but we’ll still be feeling it. Patrick is going for his first [major], and I’m going for … something else.”

Perhaps attempting to take some of that pressure off of himself, Rory reminded the media who’s the hometown favorite here, saying, “All the pressure is on him. He went to Augusta State. He’s got a lot of support here. I’m hoping to come in and spoil the party.”

As if to make a statement heading into Sunday, McIlroy ended Saturday with a bang.

This is his chance to exorcise the demons from Augusta, and he knows it.

“Hopefully, all I did learn seven years ago, I can put into practice. I’ve been waiting for this chance,” McIlroy said.

It should be a Sunday to remember.

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
Share
Mike is an 11-time Michigan Emmy Award winner who has spent nearly 30 years working in sports media.
Mike has spent nearly 30 years in all aspects of sports media, including on-air, 10 at ESPN and another 10 at Fox Sports Detroit. He now works as a TV agent, and lives with his family in West Bloomfield, MI.
Birthplace
Sudbury, Massachusetts
Honors/Awards
11-time Michigan Emmy winner
Education
Emerson College
Books Written
The Longest Year: One Family's Journey Of Life, Death, And Love/If These Walls Could Talk: Detroit Tigers/If These Walls Could Talk: Detroit Lions
Topics of Expertise
Sports




Conversation