Rory McIlroy suffer a triple-bogey water disaster at ‘The Bear Trap’

Rory McIlroy faced a daunting challenge on the infamous “Bear Trap” stretch at PGA National, known for its treacherous water hazards lining the 15th, 16th, and 17th holes. Despite the 434-yard, par-4 16th being considered the most forgiving of the trio, it proved costly for McIlroy during the Cognizant Classic.

During his third round, McIlroy found himself just four shots off the lead as he stood in the fairway of the 16th hole. With a chance to mount a rally, he unfortunately pushed his second shot into the water, setting the stage for a dramatic turn of events. Opting to play the ball as it lay submerged, McIlroy removed his shoe and sock, rolled up his pants, and attempted a risky shot. Despite suggestions from NBC commentator Luke Donald to take a drop and aim for a bogey, McIlroy opted to go for it, only to see his ball barely pop up before rolling back into the water.

Undeterred, McIlroy then dropped the ball where it initially landed and pitched it to six feet, giving himself a chance to salvage a double bogey. However, his putt narrowly missed, resulting in a costly triple-bogey 7. This setback was particularly devastating for McIlroy, who has been seeking his first PGA Tour win since the Genesis Scottish Open the previous July.

Despite a birdie on the 18th hole, McIlroy finished the round with a one-over-par 72, placing him six shots behind the leaders at seven under par. Throughout the tournament, McIlroy’s performance showcased stark contrasts, with impressive driving statistics but significant struggles on the greens, where he ranked 62nd in strokes gained putting.

As the tournament progresses, McIlroy faces an uphill battle to overcome his setbacks and contend for victory, highlighting the unpredictable nature of golf and the challenges posed by courses like PGA National’s “Bear Trap.”