Rory McIlroy had an incredible start to the Irish Open this week. He ended the round four shots behind the current leader, Shubhankar Sharma, at 69 after conjuring two birdies in the last two holes. However, it wasn’t his splendid performance on the course that caught fans attention!
It is difficult to argue that the Irishman has great vision in the sport, but as per recent events, many would contest that. And especially so after the hilarious incident that occurred at the event this week, where invariably a fan had to jump in to help Rory with a bizarre problem!
Rory McIlroy finds relief thanks to an enthusiastic fan
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The Northern Irishman is making a comeback at the K Club in County Kildare after his victory on the same course in 2016 and grabbing the biggest chunk of the $6 million purse ahead of the fast-approaching Ryder Cup that he’s looking forward to. However, at the Irish Open, he experienced an unusual start when the game went underway on Thursday morning.
One of McIlroy’s shots landed on a heavy rough while on the par 72 course. And Rory lost track of where the ball went. No matter how much he tried, the four-time major champion could not find it. In a video on Twitter (X), you can see Rory McIlroy struggling to locate the ball on the turn in Ireland. And a group of fans on the side tried to guide him so he could find it.
One supporter actually stood up to help the Irishman. When he walked to the point where the ball was, the crowd burst into applause. Who gets to say they helped Rory McIlroy locate his putt during an ongoing event? Not many, right? Perhaps that’s why the fan returned to his seat with a huge grin and arms up in the air.
Major relief for all Rory backers on hole 1
😅😅😅😅🏌️♂️🏌️♂️🏌️♂️@IrishOpen_ @icyestretro pic.twitter.com/vbLduj9Ayg— Fran Berry (@Franmberry) September 7, 2023
This might be the coolest thing about attending a professional golf event. As a fan, you are not only a spectator of their brilliance on the greens; it is also about how close you get to sit and watch them play. You essentially sit a foot away from your hero, separated by nothing but a rope, and witness their glory in person!
The golf world is laughing hard at the bizarre incident
The fan who helped McIlroy got well-deserved praise. And he helped the Irishman by helping him find his ball. However, McIlroy did card a bogey soon after. But the fan did bail him out of trouble since it could have resulted in a double bogey or worse for McIlroy. Many fans have reacted to the video online. And everyone is in jolly spirits, given how amusing the incident is.
Commenting on the certainty of Rory finding a ball somehow but still not knowing how, a fan described the emotion. “Never in doubt!”
Never In Doubt 🤣
— Icy (@icyestretro) September 7, 2023
One of the fans could not control his excitement and wrote in all caps, possibly indicating that he was screaming the word “AWESOME!”
AWESOME !!!!
— Donna sutton (@donnaultimate) September 7, 2023
Another one was thankful that a fan stepped up and helped Rory McIlroy.
Thank god for that 🙏🙏😂😂
— stephen wardle (@stevomoscow) September 7, 2023
Already thinking ahead, one fan knows what the Irishman will talk about in his next round, claiming that this will be a “great story or his next round” to tell.
That is so good 😅 great story for his next round
— MrDavidG (@DavidGothard) September 7, 2023
Pretty stereotypical but funny nonetheless, a fan commented in great spirits about how Rory McIlroy is truly representing that he was born three hours away from where he was standing.
So Irish …love it
— Jim McAuliffe (@SHAQJXM) September 7, 2023
Rory McIlroy has a new nickname now! Do you like it?
Rory McIlfore..
— Greg O Brien (@GregOBrien17) September 8, 2023
It is stunning how creative the golf world is. One of them actually imagined a meme situation out of the whole thing.
Would have been a lifetime meme if after locating the ball he says to Rory "Now Rory here's how you need to hit this next shot"!
— DublinSportsFan (@BoroEight8) September 7, 2023
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Another fan also cheered for the fan who helped Rory. And he thinks the Irishman should raise a glass to him.
Whos the fan?. Rory should have a pint of Guiness at the bar for him.
— charlie (@c_fagan79) September 7, 2023
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What do you think about this incident? Have you ever watched a golf event live? Let us know in the comments below!
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