**Rory McIlroy’s Unforgettable Moment at The Open: Two Balls, One Swing**
Rory McIlroy delivered an impressive performance during the third round of The Open at Royal Portrush, but one particular incident on the 11th hole may stand out in his memory. The 36-year-old golfer hit a wayward drive that landed among the spectators, where he found his ball in a surprisingly favorable lie due to the ground being trampled by fans over the previous days. However, unbeknownst to McIlroy, another golf ball was hidden just beneath the surface, waiting to be unearthed.
As McIlroy took his swing, his ball traveled 117 yards into the fairway. In a bizarre twist, his club struck the ground, causing the buried ball to pop up a few feet into the air and land right at his feet. Stunned, McIlroy looked down and picked up the unexpected find, exclaiming, “Oh my God,” as he realized what had just happened.
After the unusual occurrence, McIlroy tossed the second ball into a nearby bush and turned to NBC’s on-course analyst Roger Maltbie, asking, “Have you ever seen that before?” Reflecting on the incident, he remarked, “That is the most weird, ridiculous thing I have ever seen.”
Despite the distraction, McIlroy managed to finish the hole with a bogey, which was his only setback of the day. He started strong, birdieing three of his first four holes. Following the bogey on 11, he quickly regained momentum by sinking a remarkable 56-foot eagle putt on the 12th hole. McIlroy added another birdie on the 15th hole, wrapping up the day at 5-under par and bringing his total for the tournament to 8-under.
As of now, McIlroy is tied for fourth place, trailing the leader, Scottie Scheffler, by five strokes. His remarkable performance and the unforgettable moment with the two balls have certainly made this round one to remember.
**FAQ**
*What happened to Rory McIlroy on the 11th hole during The Open?*
On the 11th hole, Rory McIlroy hit a drive that landed among the spectators. While taking his swing, he inadvertently struck another buried golf ball, which popped up and landed at his feet, leading to a memorable moment in his round.
