The high, majestic draw with the driver has always been Rory McIlroy’s signature shot. And, judging by a resume that includes 26 PGA Tour titles and four majors, it’s paid off handsomely for the Northern Irishman. But during his strong start to the U.S. Open on Thursday, he showcased a different kind of tee shot at Pinehurst that had golf fans buzzing.
McIlroy stepped up to the 12th tee during the first round and unleashed one of the filthiest stingers you’ll ever see. We’ll take a look at it in a second, but first, the numbers.
The Rory (“Ripper”? “Roaster?” This thing feels like it deserves its own name) shot carried only 252 yards with an apex of just 37 feet and only 20 feet of right-to-left curve. And then it ran on Pinehurst’s firm fairway for another 77 yards to finish right down the middle, 329 yards away. OK, have a look:
Don't see Rory go with the low bullet on this side of the pond too often 👀
Right down the middle, though! pic.twitter.com/8Zg0GMuYN1
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 13, 2024
And how about that quick tee pick up?
That was definitely intentional. And it was absolutely filthy. Or, as Phil Mickelson would say, a hellacious seed.
Sadly, McIlroy couldn’t convert the drive into a birdie, but he looks locked in right now as he’s trying to win his first major since the 2014 PGA Championship. And whatever you call this shot, it could prove to be pretty useful as he tries to end that decade-long drought.
