Rory Just Drove the Green…on a 415-Yard Hole

Royal Birkdale has a driveable par-4 today. It is not the 9th hole. But, as we know, Rory McIlroy abides by a different set of rules when it comes to distance.

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He played the first eight holes in a disappointing 2-over, missing back-to-back putts inside of four feet before stepping up to the tee on the 9th. Rory already hits the ball plenty far. An angry Rory, apparently, has a little extra in the tank.

You could tell he had something special planned when he pulled driver and aimed roughly 30 yards right of the little target graphic on the broadcast.

As it was called out, that target is more for the players taking iron off the tee, like Rory’s playing partner Xander Schauffele. In the end, Rory’s tee shot settled on the green, 58 feet from the pin. Oh, and a measly 389 yards from the tee. Just another Thursday at the office.

After two-putting for birdie, Rory makes the turn at 1-over-par, settling just outside the top 60. With two par-5s on the back nine, he’ll have chances to get back to red numbers and settle into a good spot to challenge for his second Open victory.