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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Congaree Golf Club in South Carolina is currently hosting The CJ Cup. And the 2022 FedEx Cup champion, Rory McIlroy, almost made an albatross in the tournament’s second round. The golfer’s massive shot didn’t only helped him secure a spot in the Top 5, but in the hearts of the golf fans as well. 

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McIlroy was on fire during the second round of The CJ Cup. He not only made an albatross but hit the ball from the tee with a 187 MPH ball speed. Moreover, his ball reached found green 347 yards away from the tee box. 

The PGA Tour posted the video of the Irish golfer almost making an albatross on Twitter recently. The viewers can see in the video how he almost holed the ball from a 230-yards distance. 

The golfer’s effort achieved a lot of appreciation from golf fans.

An albatross is a 3-under par on a hole. And only 18 golfers were able to make it in the history of major tournaments. While the golfers were fortunate enough to record eight albatross at the Open Championship, they couldn’t do well at the other three majors. 

Only four golfers could make a 3-under par on a hole at the Masters, and three at the U.S. Open and PGA Championship. Young Tom Morris made the first-ever albatross in a major at the British Open in 1870. And Nick Watney sank the last one at the U. S. Open in 2012. 

Read more: Former World No. 1 Rory McIlroy Candidly Reveals the Most Strenuous Part of Being at the Top of the Rankings

Making an albatross is never easy; hence, he received much appreciation from the golf world for his effort. 

Many fans of the FedEx Cup champion congratulated and praised him for almost making the rarest achievement. However, some made fun of him and the PGA Tour for his failed effort. 

Has Rory McIlroy ever made an albatross in his professional career? 

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Rory McIlroy turned professional in 2007. He has won 4 major tournaments, 3 World Golf Championships, and 3 FedEx Cup titles. In his 15 years of career, the world no. 2 golfer has made several achievements, but he has yet to make a successful albatross. 

USA Today via Reuters

Interestingly, the Northern Irishman once had an experience similar to the 2022 CJ Cup, where he almost won golf’s rarest achievement. The golfer came close to making an albatross at the 2016 Deutsche Bank Championship in Massachusetts on Sunday. McIlroy then had to be content with an eagle at the par-five 18th. 

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It is the second time McIlroy lost his chance to make a 3-under on an individual hole. How long do you think it would take before he makes a successful one? 

Watch This Story: Rory McIlroy Joins Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in Golf’s History Books