Rory McIlroy rides Tiger Woods Masters type lip-in to Texas Open contention

Rory McIlroy showcased his prowess at TPC San Antonio during the Valero Texas Open, firmly positioning himself in contention with a stellar round. On the par-5 8th hole, McIlroy faced a critical 13-foot birdie putt. With his trusty mallet putter, he executed a smooth stroke, but as the ball approached the hole, it seemed to hesitate, teasing McIlroy momentarily. However, a timely gust of wind swept across the green, nudging the ball into the cup, much to McIlroy’s relief.

Reflecting on the moment, McIlroy revealed his internal battle with the wind, confessing to having backed off the ball twice due to its influence. Despite his uncertainty, McIlroy capitalized on the opportunity, sinking the putt for his second birdie of the day. His performance drew comparisons to Tiger Woods’ legendary shot at the 2005 Masters, where a similar suspenseful moment ended in a miraculous birdie.

Interestingly, McIlroy admitted that such experiences were not entirely unfamiliar to him, underscoring the unpredictable nature of golf. Nonetheless, he remained focused on his overall performance, which was indeed commendable. With a flawless round devoid of bogeys, McIlroy’s 3-under 69 placed him in a tie for 8th after the opening day.

McIlroy expressed satisfaction with his solid play, highlighting the consistency he exhibited amidst challenging conditions. Notably, he acknowledged the volatility of his recent performances on the PGA Tour, making his bogey-free round all the more gratifying. As he navigates the remainder of the tournament, McIlroy’s steady performance on Thursday serves as a testament to his resilience and skill on the course.