Rory McIlroy reacts after holing out his bunker shot for birdie on the 18th hole. Gregory Shamus

By Stephen Hennessey
AUGUSTA — Rory McIlroy has had some dramatic moments at Augusta National. Nothing was quite as epic as his 18th hole and the celebration that ensued.

Delivering a big charge on Sunday, he stalled after getting it to seven-under for the round after an eagle at 13. So it was somewhat disappointing he missed the fairway, then hit into the sand at the 18th.

But as great players do, he manufactured an all-time great shot from the right greenside bunker, his ball rolling into the hole to cap a 64. And his reaction was just as good as the shot itself.

The 18th hole delivers iconic moments year after year. McIlroy’s shot will go down as perhaps the most memorable of the 2022 Masters.

Not to be outdone was Collin Morikawa, followed with his own birdie from the same bunker as McIlroy.

Afterward in his interview at Butler Cabin, McIlroy said that’s “the happiest I’ve ever been on the golf course.” A bit hyperbolic, but given his history at Augusta National, we don’t fault the four-time major champion feeling that way.

That’s as much fun as we golf fans have had watching all week (aside from, of course, watching Tiger Woods and his comeback.) Morikawa and McIlroy put together an epic day — combining to go 13-under on their final rounds alone. Two of the great players of their generation, celebrating some of the most dramatic moments at Augusta National.

Sports … golf … it’s all undefeated.

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