Big Easy pays off for Irish twosome

In an electrifying finale at the 5 18th, spectators witnessed Rory McIlroy’s masterful execution of a lofted chip from the apron, delicately placing the ball close to the pin, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion. Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard narrowly missed joining the playoff, with their birdie attempt falling agonizingly close on the 18th green. Despite their valiant efforts, they settled for third place, finishing at 24 under.

Former Brigham Young University teammates, Patrick Fishburn and Zach Blair, who had led the tournament through three rounds, found themselves tied for the lead as they approached the par-3 17th. However, a double bogey dashed their hopes for victory, leaving them tied for fourth place alongside two other contenders at 23 under.

McIlroy and Shane Lowry, starting the day two shots behind the leaders, faced early setbacks with bogeys on two of their first three holes. However, a remarkable resurgence began on the seventh hole, marked by McIlroy’s impeccable putting, securing four birdies in the next five holes to thrust them into contention.

Despite a couple of tense moments, including mis-hits on crucial shots, McIlroy and Lowry demonstrated unwavering resilience. McIlroy’s adept par-saving chip on the 13th and a pivotal birdie putt on the 16th, following Lowry’s precise approach shot from a fairway bunker, propelled them to a tie for first place at 25-under.

Reflecting on their performance, McIlroy emphasized the importance of mutual trust and enjoyment in their partnership, crediting their ability to rely on each other for their success. Despite a late bogey on the 17th, their spirits remained undaunted as they faced the ultimate test on the 18th hole.

With the pressure mounting, McIlroy’s towering tee shot on the water-lined fairway ignited hopes of a playoff, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion. Amidst the tension, McIlroy reflected on the joy of playing golf, highlighting the significance of injecting fun into their game, particularly during intense competitions like the one they had just endured.