Rory McIlroy hits two balls with one swing at The Open Championship

At The Open Championship held at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, Rory McIlroy experienced an unusual incident during his third round on a Saturday in July 2025. His tee shot on the par-four 11th hole landed in the rough, but unbeknownst to him, another golf ball was buried just beneath the surface directly under his ball. When McIlroy took his swing, not only did his ball travel 117 yards into the fairway but his swing also unearthed the hidden ball, which popped up and landed between his feet, much to his surprise and the delight of the spectators. McIlroy's reaction was one of disbelief as he exclaimed, "Oh my God" while picking up the discovered ball. This comedic moment occurred amidst an otherwise competitive round where he had made a solid start with three birdies in his first four holes. Despite this bizarre incident leading to a bogey on the 11th hole, McIlroy swiftly recovered by sinking a remarkable 56-foot eagle putt on the next hole, the par-five 12th. The crowd erupted in cheers as he executed the shot, highlighting the enthusiastic support he received throughout the tournament. As the grand slam champion continued his round, he notched another birdie on the 15th hole, eventually finishing the day with a score of five-under par and totaling eight-under for the tournament. However, McIlroy found himself six strokes behind the leader, Scottie Scheffler, and admired the solid game Scheffler displayed, acknowledging the challenge of closing the gap in such competitive circumstances. This third round highlighted McIlroy's strong performance despite a moment of peculiarity that will likely be remembered as one of the more humorous parts of the tournament. The competition, taking place at Royal Portrush for the first time since the 2019 tournament, brought back memories for McIlroy, who had a tearful exit due to a missed cut during that year’s event. The overwhelming support from local fans, chanting his name throughout, serves as a reminder that he remains a beloved figure in the sport. As of this tournament, despite a shaky start on the first two days, McIlroy kept his hopes alive for a successful campaign in front of his home crowd. His performance at The Open remains a mix of solid golf and unforgettable moments, emphasizing both his skills and occasional comedic experiences on the course.