If Rory McIlroy finally breaks through to win his first Masters in 2025, there is one shot from the tournament that fans are going to be seeing over and over for decades to come.
McIlroy made an incredible shot from the pine straw during his second round on Friday at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. He pushed his drive slightly right on the par-5 13th, which left him with 216 yards to the green.
Rather than laying up and playing it safe, McIlroy hit a perfect iron out of the pine straw. The ball went over Rae’s Creek, bounced on the green and settled 9 feet from the hole.
It was a vintage Masters shot that carried a ton of risk.
Rory McIlroy's shot at No. 13 from the pine straw was a thing of beauty. pic.twitter.com/q2CWoABU06
— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) April 11, 2025
McIlroy rolled the putt in for an eagle.
While it was not quite as challenging, McIlroy’s shot immediately reminded fans of the one Phil Mickelson hit during the final round of the Masters in 2010. Mickelson was leading the tournament at the time and had to hit his ball between two trees.
Probably Phil Mickelson’s greatest shot ever. 2010 Masters #MastersRewatchMoment pic.twitter.com/AR6lM5Cros
— Kirk Haston (@KirkHaston35IU) March 26, 2020
Like McIlroy, Mickelson made the putt for eagle. Phil, of course, went on to win.
Again, McIlroy’s shot was not nearly as difficult as Mickelson’s. But risks like that can make or break the pursuit of a green jacket. McIlroy was rewarded for taking a chance, and his shot will not be forgotten if he goes on to win at Augusta.
