Rory McIlroy, the World No. 3, hit a massive drive on the 375-yard, par-4 18th hole during Day 2 of the WGC-Dell Match Play at Austin Country Club. Standing 1 up against Denny McCarthy, McIlroy unleashed a shot that carried 349 yards, bounced on the front of the green, rolled, and came to rest within four feet of the cup. McCarthy was 60 yards short of the green off the tee and conceded the putt, giving the match to McIlroy, who didn’t even need to make the eagle attempt.
McIlroy admitted that he didn’t think he could get the ball on the green and that he didn’t even know it was on the green until TV reporter Smylie Kaufman alerted him. Kaufman didn’t tell McIlroy how close the ball was to the pin, wanting to keep the surprise.
McIlroy’s majestic drive helped him move to 2-0 in his group and will face Keegan Bradley on Friday with the chance to advance to the Round of 16. He only needs to tie Bradley to move forward.
Earlier in the week, McIlroy made headlines for changing the shaft in his driver set-up, shortening it from 44½ inches to 44 inches. The change seems to have paid off for McIlroy, who is looking to complete a career Grand Slam at the Masters in two weeks.
