Quick 9: Rory’s best ever shots
5. 2016 Ryder Cup
Hazeltine, Sunday Singles, 8th hole, 2nd shot
Ironically, Rory’s best Ryder Cup moment came in the only losing European effort of which he has been a part.
Out first on Sunday to get some blue on the board, McIlroy took on Patrick Reed in one of the best individual contests in the trophy’s history.
That McIlroy eventually lost his match and Europe lost the Cup doesn’t take away from one of the best putts, and greatest reactions, in his career.
4. 2010 Quail Hollow Championship
Quail Hollow, 4th round, 18th hole, 3rd shot
“Welcome to the big time, Rory McIlroy.”
The Northern Irishman’s first career PGA Tour win came in swashbuckling style. En route to a final round 62, one of McIlroy’s best ever knocks, he hit some astonishing shots.
His second to 15 (0:36) is possibly his greatest ever club twirl and worthy of a spot here in itself, but it’s hard to look past the tramliner on 18 to secure his first ever win in the States.
Skip to 1:35 for the magic moment…
3. 2016 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open
K Club, 4th round, 16th & 18th holes, 2nd shots
It is absolutely cheating to choose two shots for one spot, but McIlroy’s 3-woods at the K Club in 2016 were so equally magnificent that it must be done.
Involved in a titanic tussle on Sunday, Rory’s monstrous shot to the brutal par-5 16th gave him a share of the lead before a glorious approach to 18 sealed his first ever Irish Open win.
Go to 0:55 to see both shots in all their glory.
2. 2011 US Open
Congressional, 4th round, 10th hole, 1st shot
If, like me, you remember with fondness the uninhibited precociousness of a young Rory, you’ll know just how special this shot is.
Many will point to McIlroy’s eagle hole-out in the 2011 US Open second round, but this was his best shot of the tournament and helped create a truly magical scene at Congressional’s 10th hole.
Just watch the crowds, the free flowing swing, the pause at the crest of the hill, the roll back down, the excitement and the high-five between Rory and JP.
This is McIlroy as we know and love.
1. 2016 Tour Championship
East Lake, 4th round, 16th hole, 2nd shot
Rory has a career highlight reel that can probably only be outdone by Tiger Woods himself.
But all these shots pale compared to this one at East Lake in 2016.
Vying for $11.5 million and his first FedEx title, Rory was three behind with three to play.
Then this happened…
The rest, as they say, is history.
Alex Perry
Alex has been the editor of National Club Golfer since 2017. A Devonian who enjoys wittering on about his south west roots, Alex moved north to join NCG after more than a decade in London, the last five of which were with ESPN. Away from golf, Alex follows Torquay United and spends too much time playing his PlayStation or his guitar and not enough time practising his short game.
