Watch: Rory McIlroy De-Greens Putt Before Chipping In For Miracle Par At US Open

The saying goes that it’s not making a mistake that defines you, but how you recover from it. If that’s true, then Rory McIlroy has proven himself to be a master of recovery at the 2024 US Open.

Entering Friday, McIlroy, the World No. 3, shared the overnight lead after a stunning bogey-free round of 65 at the renowned Pinehurst No. 2. However, the start of his second round quickly presented challenges that threatened to derail his early momentum. Within the first seven holes, McIlroy faced two bogeys, bringing him down to three-under for the tournament, well before Patrick Cantlay had even teed off.
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The par-3 17th hole nearly compounded McIlroy’s difficulties. He found himself with a daunting long-range birdie opportunity from across a large portion of the green. The pin placement was treacherous, dangerously close to a slope that could easily send any errant shot cascading away from the hole. McIlroy’s first putt was overly ambitious, and the ball rolled off the green’s edge, coming to rest 15 to 20 yards away from the false front, adding another layer of difficulty to his next shot.

What happened next showcased McIlroy’s brilliance and composure. Despite the precarious position, he displayed his often-underestimated wedge skills. He executed a masterful chip, skipping the ball right into the front of the hole. As noted by the broadcasting team, “it was a three all the way,” which meant McIlroy remarkably salvaged a par from a situation that could have easily resulted in a bogey or worse. His skillful play on the 17th highlighted his ability to turn potential setbacks into opportunities for resilience.

At the turn, despite a rough start to his round, McIlroy was two-over for the day but still three-under for the championship, maintaining a competitive position as he navigated through the tough course conditions. His performance not only reinforced his standing as a top player but also demonstrated his mental fortitude and technical prowess under pressure.

Rory McIlroy’s ability to bounce back from a challenging situation at Pinehurst No. 2 reflects his growth as a golfer and a competitor. It’s clear that in the game of golf, and perhaps life, it’s the recovery, not the mistake, that truly defines greatness. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on McIlroy to see if his remarkable recovery skills can carry him to another Major victory.