SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. (AP) — Rory McIlroy’s ball was nestled in the rough on the far side of a cart path, some 55 yards from the flag.
The six-time major winner, a dozen holes into his round, had just committed one of the cardinal sins of playing in a U.S. Open at punishing Shinnecock Hills: Going for the green in two after sailing his tee shot into the tall grass wide of the fairway.
No bother. McIlroy, gripping his wedge in a parted sea of smartphone-clutching fans, soared his third shot over a greenside bunker and made the 18-foot putt for par, pumping his fist as the ball fell in.
It was an exceptional up and down on No. 4 in a three-hole stretch — birdie, par, eagle — that vaulted the 37-year-old Northern Irishman to the lead at 3 under Thursday in the opening round.
It didn’t last.
The six-time major winner, a dozen holes into his round, had just committed one of the cardinal sins of playing in a U.S. Open at punishing Shinnecock Hills: Going for the green in two after sailing his tee shot into the tall grass wide of the fairway.
No bother. McIlroy, gripping his wedge in a parted sea of smartphone-clutching fans, soared his third shot over a greenside bunker and made the 18-foot putt for par, pumping his fist as the ball fell in.
It was an exceptional up and down on No. 4 in a three-hole stretch — birdie, par, eagle — that vaulted the 37-year-old Northern Irishman to the lead at 3 under Thursday in the opening round.
It didn’t last.
2 hours ago
