Rory McIlroy is regularly regarded as one of the best golfers in the world. But there was still one feat that he hadn’t yet accomplished in his majestic career; hitting a professional hole in one. But the Northern Irishman righted that wrong in Abu Dhabi with a scintillating drive.
The 25-year-old made the shot while on the 15th hole at the Abu Dhabi Championship. He used a nine-iron to wallop his ball 177-yards, and then he was forced to agonizingly watch as his ball fell a yard away from the flag and then slowly proceeded to the hole. It ultimately trickled in and left him in a prime position to contest for the championship over the next few days.
McIlroy is now just two shots off leader Martin Kaymer and one shot behind Tim Pieters. The German and Belgian are now 13 under and 12 under, respectively, after the second day championship.
However, despite the superlative efforts of his European counterparts, it was McIlory who stole the limelight with his sensational hole in one. And when he was asked to comment on his shot, McIlory remained just as modest as usual.
“It was a perfect number, straight downwind 177 yards, and it took a nice little hop to the right, so obviously the beers are on me tonight. It wasn’t one of my goals for the year but it’s a nice little bonus.”
You can have a look at Rory McIlory’s supreme shot below. It’s rather amazing.
McIlroy’s hole in one actually came at a good time for the world number one. He was having a hard time of it during the contest, especially with his putting. In fact he was just three under par when he made the shot.
As soon as the ball had nestled kindly into the hole, McIlroy’s playing partners, Rickie Fowler and Matteo Manassero, instantly congratulated him.
While this is Rory McIlroy ‘s first ever hole in one while playing professionally, the Northern Irishman previously admitted that he had hit one when he was just nine years old . Rory McIlroy has come close to matching this effort ever since he turned pro on a number of occasions.
Unfortunately, despite his impressive feat, Rory McIlroy won’t actually win any extra prize money for striking this hole in one on the 15th hole. If he’d hit it on the 7th hole though he’d have earned himself the keys to brand new Cadillac.
The Abu Dhabi Championship will continue on Saturday and Sunday.
[Image via The Star ]
