Rory McIlroy has had some dramatic moments at Augusta National. Nothing was quite as epic as his 18th hole and the celebration that ensued.
Delivering an epic charge on Sunday, he stalled out after getting it to 7-under through 13 holes after an eagle at 13. So it was somewhat disappointing he missed the fairway then hit into the bunker at the 18th.
But as great players do, he manufactured an all-time great shot from the right greenside bunker. And his reaction was just as good as the shot itself.
The 18th hole delivers iconic moments year after year. McIlroy’s shot will go down as perhaps the most memorable of the 2022 Masters.
Not to be outdone was Collin Morikawa who was also in the SAME bunker as McIlroy.
Afterward in his interview at Butler Cabin, McIlroy said that’s “the happiest he’s ever been on the golf course.” A bit hyperbolic, but given his history at Augusta National, we don’t fault the four-time major champion feeling that way.
That’s as much fun as we golf fans have had watching all week (aside from, of course, watching Tiger Woods and his comeback.) Morikawa and McIlroy put together an epic day—combining to go 13-under on their final rounds alone. Two of the great players of their generation, celebrating some of the most dramatic moments at Augusta National.
Sports … golf … it’s all undefeated.