Although it sometimes doesn’t seem so, world No. 2 Rory McIlroy showed fellow golfers during the second round of the Australian Open that he is, indeed, human.
On the 14th hole, McIlroy pushed his tee shot under a low-hanging tree, and on his second attempt, the 2025 Masters champion tried to punch it out, emulating the moves of some of the game’s legends.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. McIlroy completely whiffed on the shot, and ending up taking a bogey on the hole.
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“Felt like I could get in there, really low like Seve (Ballesteros) used to do and just get a little 4-iron and get it back into play,” McIlroy said. “On the way down, I caught a branch and obviously just completely went over the ball. I honestly can’t remember the last time I had a ‘fresh air.’ Not one of my finer moments, but it was nice to bounce back after that and play like I did the last few holes.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 05: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts on day two of the Crown Australian Open 2025 at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club on December 05, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/Getty Images)
But while McIlroy admitted that his opening two rounds at Royal Melbourne weren’t up to his standards, he still found a way to rally with a 68 that got him into the weekend. McIlroy made three birdies over the final four holes, including the 17th hole in which he hit an outstanding shot out of a small bush to make birdie.
“It wasn’t my best stuff over the last couple of days, but it was nice to finish the way that I did. Delighted to be here for the weekend. You know, seven isn’t too far back. I feel like if I can go in tomorrow morning and shoot a good one, I can get myself right back in the tournament.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 05: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the 17th hole on day two of the Crown Australian Open 2025 at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club on December 05, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/Getty Images)
Daniel Rodriques and Rasmus Neergaard-Peterson lead the way at 9 under while McIlroy sits well back at 2 under par.
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This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Rory McIlroy has total whiff at Australian Open
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