WATCH: Rory McIlroy hits unbelievable clutch shot to keep Masters hope alive
Rory McIlroy capped a tremendous fourth round at the Masters with a chip shot for birdie to end his day within distance of the leader. McIlroy posted a 64 in the final round, putting him seven-under par for the tournament while leader Scottie Scheffler had five holes to play with a three-stroke lead. His furious comeback shot him into sole second place after Cameron Smith’s back-nine turned into a nightmare.
Rory McIlroy makes memorable Masters shot
On the 18th hole, McIlroy’s tee shot went astray and ended up in a bunker — setting up a struggle to close his day strong. His second shot continued the struggle by going bunker to bunker, hitting the right side of the green and setting up a scramble to save par.
However, McIlroy continued the incredible day he had put together and made magic, reading the slope of the green and giving his chip shot a chance. The ball rolled perfectly down the slope and into the cup, finishing a memorable final round of the Masters for McIlroy as he chased Scheffler.
Adding to the incredible moment was McIlroy’s pairing partner for the day, Collin Morikawa. The pair matched each other shot-for-shot most of the day, including a memorable 13th hole where the pair hit similar approaches and sank putts for eagles. Morikawa’s second shot of the 18th hole found the same bunker that McIlroy’s shot did, and set up back-to-back chips for birdie by the duo.
“It’s what you dream about, right? You dream about getting yourself in position,” said McIlroy after his finish. “I wasn’t quite close enough to the lead I don’t think… Scottie’s playing really really well. But to play as well as I did today and then to finish like this. It’s just absolutely incredible. This tournament never ceases to amaze. That’s as happy as I’ve ever been on a golf course right there.
“And then with Collin. We both played so well all day and for both of us to finish like this, I was just so happy for him. I’ve never heard roars like on the 18th green. It was really cool.”