A double bogey on the third hole? Rory McIlroy made things difficult for himself at the Tour Championship at East Lake, abruptly halting a dream start to the second round. What looked so promising after an opening birdie quickly turned disastrous with one shot.
His approach shot on the par-4 was short, followed by two chip attempts from around 115 yards (105 meters), both of which rolled back. The drama was complete, the double bogey a bitter reality. This blunder, a real short-game mistake, was not only a nerve-wracker but also prevented the Northern Irishman from gaining crucial ground on the leaders.
Shocking Moment and Prize Money Stakes
At the Tour Championship, it's not just about glory, but also about a hefty $10 million for the first-place finisher. Every mistake is severely punished here and has magnified consequences. McIlroy, who won the Tour Championship in 2022, knows all too well the pressure and expectations weighing on his shoulders.
After the first round, he was already six strokes behind the lead in the 29-man field, having shot a 68, two under par. Despite the shocking moment on the third hole, he fought back in the second round, posting a 69, which included a strong finish with late birdies. The comeback is on, but the misstep on the third hole was a real setback that currently keeps him six strokes off the lead.
