Field Level Media
19 Jul 2025, 22:10 GMT+10
(Photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images)
Golfers are sometimes described as magicians, but Rory McIlroy even surprised himself when he appeared to turn one golf ball into two during the third round of the Open Championship on Saturday.
McIlroy worked his way into contention at Royal Portrush in his native Northern Ireland by making three birdies over his first four holes in the third round. However, he settled for all pars until he got to the par-4 11th hole and missed the fairway to the right.
After an extensive time studying his shot from the trampled-down rough and changing his choice of club, McIlroy took his swing and a second golf ball popped up from out of view.
While McIlroy's own ball came up short of the green and settled in the fairway, the new ball dropped in between his feet and caught him -- and the broadcasters -- by surprise.McIlroy laughed it off and tossed the mystery ball into a nearby bush. NBC Sports commentator and former caddie John Wood later said that a stunned McIlroy asked him if he'd ever seen anything like it.
The Grand Slam winner went on to hit a poor third shot onto the green and two-putted for the first bogey of his round. He slipped to 5 under par for the week shortly before Scottie Scheffler made an eagle to take the lead to 12 under.
--Field Level Media
Get a daily dose of Belfast Bulletin news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Belfast Bulletin.
More InformationLONDON, U.K.: The British government secretly launched a large-scale relocation scheme for Afghans after a soldier accidentally leaked...
MANCHESTER, U.K.: Britain's King Charles will host U.S. President Donald Trump in September for what will be an unprecedented second...
(Photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images) Golfers are sometimes described as magicians, but Rory McIlroy even surprised himself when...
(Photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images) Scottie Scheffler is one round away from his fourth major championship after opening up a...
(Photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images) Golfers are sometimes described as magicians, but Rory McIlroy even surprised himself when...
(Photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images) World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler shot a 7-under-par 64 in the second round of The Open Championship...
A typical, but devastating day of violence and deepening humanitarian catastrophe unfolded across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, as at...
DHAKA, Bangladesh: At least four people were killed and several injured on July 16 when violence broke out during a rally organized...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump announced that Coca-Cola has agreed to begin using real cane sugar in its U.S. beverages following...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump has unveiled a new strategy to aid Ukraine without directly draining U.S. stockpiles: encourage...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: A New York City carriage driver went on trial this week in a case that has reignited long-standing tensions...
MOSCOW, Russia: Brushing aside U.S. President Donald Trump's latest threat to impose steep sanctions on buyers of Russian exports unless...
