Earlier this week, Rory McIlroy said he was in favor of the USGA and R&A proposal to roll back the golf ball for professional and top amateurs.
“I think it’s going to help identify who the best players are a bit easier,” he said.
Well, there’s no question McIlroy is one of the best players in the world. He has been for more than a decade. On Thursday, during his match against Denny McCarthy in the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club, McIlroy hit one of the best drives of all-time.
And that’s no exaggeration.
McIlroy and McCarthy’s match reached the 18th hole with the Northern Irishman 1 up. He had the first shot, and his smashed his driver with 188 mph ball speed. It finally landed 349 yards away on the front of the green. It ended 3 feet, 9 inches from the hole. You’ll have to see it to believe it.
One of the greatest drives you will EVER see
@McIlroyRory drives the ball to 3 FEET at the 375-yard par-4 18th with a 349-yard carry to the green! pic.twitter.com/HzhMBtyKkr
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 23, 2023
That tee shot is the only one through the first two days to end up on the green.
McCarthy’s shot ended up short of the green, and his second shot landed outside of McIlroy’s. McCarthy conceded the match, and McIlroy won 2 up.
Earlier in their match on the par-5 12th hole, McIlroy had a drive that traveled 420 yards.
420-yard drive (h/t cart path)
159 yards
7 feet@McIlroyRory enjoyed this par 5. pic.twitter.com/0iXdqB19Ms
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 23, 2023
However, the highlight of the day was his incredible tee shot on the 18th.