Global golf superstar Rory McIlroy has pulled off a dramatic escape act, narrowly avoiding an early exit from the Australian Open after a stunning air swing left his tournament hopes hanging by a thread during the second round.
A Costly Miss and a Knife-Edge Finish
The world number two, who is reported to have received a multimillion-dollar appearance fee, had organisers and fans sweating as he flirted with missing the halfway cut. With massive weekend crowds expected to exceed 50,000 spectators over two days at the iconic Royal Melbourne layout, the prospect of the tournament's biggest drawcard not playing was a major concern.
McIlroy's Friday afternoon began steadily, if unremarkably, with just a single birdie on his front nine. However, the drama erupted at the par-five 14th hole. After pushing his tee shot right into trouble under a ti-tree, the situation deteriorated rapidly. On his next stroke, McIlroy's club clipped a branch on his backswing, causing the Northern Irishman to completely miss the ball in a rare air swing that drew gasps of disbelief from the large gallery following his group.
Class Prevails in Clutch Finish
Already on the precipice after an opening round of one-over par, this disaster sent McIlroy tumbling below the projected cut line. Facing elimination, the recent Masters champion demonstrated his champion's mentality. He immediately regrouped on the very next hole, sinking a long birdie putt to climb back to even par and touch the safety line.
Nerves were tested again at the 17th when another wayward drive left his ball hindered by a small shrub. Yet again, McIlroy produced a moment of magic from the rough, recovering to find the green and tap in for another crucial birdie. He then sent the swarming crowd around the 18th green into delirium, sticking his approach shot to within six feet and converting the putt for a birdie.
Weekend Set for Royal Melbourne Showdown
This late flurry of three birdies in his final four holes resulted in a second-round score of three-under 68. With the cut line almost certain to be set at level par 142, McIlroy's total of one-under par safely books his spot for the weekend's action.
The heart-stopping sequence, from a shocking air swing to a brilliant recovery, has set the stage for a potentially thrilling final two rounds. McIlroy, now playing with house money after his great escape, will aim to chase down a second Australian Open title in front of the huge Melbourne crowds.
