Rory McIlroy’s performance during the third round of The Open took an unexpected and comical turn on Saturday at Royal Portrush. While navigating the rough on the 11th hole, McIlroy inadvertently struck not just his own ball but also unearthed a second buried golf ball. The surprising incident left him momentarily baffled as he held up the extra ball, remarking with a grin, “I have another golf ball,” which lightened the mood despite his subsequent struggle on the hole.
After the unusual occurrence, McIlroy’s shot fell short of the green, leading to a bogey—the first of his round—which brought his score to 2 under for the day and 5 under for the tournament. However, the talented golfer quickly rebounded, showcasing his skills by sinking a remarkable 56-foot eagle putt at the par-5 13th and following it up with a birdie at the par-4 15th. By the end of the day, McIlroy found himself at 8 under, trailing leader Scottie Scheffler by five strokes.
Despite the ups and downs of his round, McIlroy’s resilience was on display, reminding fans of the dynamic and unpredictable nature of golf. His ability to bounce back from a challenging moment reflects his determination and skill, providing hope that he may still contend as the tournament progresses.