Rory McIlroy’s Unexpected Fresh Air Shot Followed by Strong Comeback at Australian Open
Rory McIlroy faced a challenging start at the Australian Open but managed a strong comeback after a rocky beginning. The world number two and reigning Masters champion began the tournament at Royal Melbourne’s Composite Course with a one-over par.
Early Struggles and Fresh Air Incident
McIlroy encountered difficulties on the greens early in his round. After making a birdie on the fifth hole, he found himself struggling again, even facing the prospect of his first missed cut since June’s Canadian Open. A notable moment came at the par-five 14th hole, where he attempted to chip out from under tree branches but ended up with a bogey six, putting him one shot below the projected cut line.
Turning Point at the 15th Hole
His fortunes shifted dramatically from the 15th hole onward. McIlroy decided to use a driver on the 383-yard hole, which proved crucial. He managed a birdie after a successful chip and putt, which boosted his confidence as he continued through the remaining holes. The 15th hole would serve as a pivotal moment in his round.
Final Holes Performance
Finishing strong, he carded a remarkable three-under 68, ending the day tied for 28th at two under par. This left him four shots behind the leaders. McIlroy acknowledged the importance of his play in the last few holes, stating, “I needed to play those last four holes the way I did.”
- Score After Day 2: Three-under 68
- Position: Tied for 28th at two under par
- Shots Behind Leaders: Four shots
Addressing Greens Issues
Despite the comeback, McIlroy admitted that he struggled on the greens, stating that many players faced similar challenges. He emphasized the need for improved putting to enhance his performance over the weekend.
Appreciation for Australian Support
The atmosphere at the tournament has been electrifying, with expectations of 25,000 fans over the weekend. McIlroy expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic support from the crowd, noting that it felt like a Sunday final round rather than a Friday afternoon.
Looking Ahead
McIlroy remains optimistic about his chances as the tournament progresses. He aims to build on his performance by being more aggressive during the upcoming rounds. “It would have been a big downer if I wasn’t here for the weekend,” he said, stressing the importance of making key putts.
As McIlroy prepares for the next rounds, he stays focused on fine-tuning his game to re-enter contention at the Australian Open.
