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Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy landed himself in hot water after he was awarded a “free shot” during the fourth round of the 2023 US Open last week. McIlroy’s ball was embedded in the sand trap liner of the fairway of the LACC’s 14th hole, making it very difficult to get a clean putt on the ball. The 34-year-old was awarded a free drop, much to the astonishment of fans across the world.
The decision was made by officials under Rule 16.3 of the US Open, which allows golfers to play a ball embedded in the grass. The rule does not apply to balls buried in the sand.
The free drop given to McIlroy was criticized by golf fans and experts alike. The Big Boy Pants YouTube channel recently confirmed that the decision was the wrong one. The Youtuber said in his latest video that he has contacted the United States Golf Association (USGA) to discuss the free drop. A USGA officer is heard saying in the video:
“Yeah, I mean, I think it was ultimately an incorrect touchdown towards the referee.”
Rory McIlroy finished second at the 2023 US Open with a score of -9.
Rory McElroy’s performance at the 2023 US Open
Rory McIlroy started the 2023 US Open with back-to-back birdies on the first two holes on Thursday, June 15th. The back nine holes. He finished the first round with a score of 65.
On Friday, June 16, McIlroy started with another birdie on the first hole. He sank six birdies and one bogey for the first nine holes of the second round followed by three bogeys and one birdie to close with a score of 67. He made three birdies and one bogey in the third and a bogey and a birdie in the final round to score 70.
He ended a 9-point deficit, one stroke behind Windham Clark, who won his first career major at the 2023 US Open.
Rory struggled with his game in the final round of the Grand Championship, resulting in a second-place finish. Speaking of his performance, Rory McIlroy said:
“As I was walking up to it, I felt like it was quite a full sand wedge. Hit it hard, get some spin on it. Then as we were getting ready to shoot, the wind started to pick up a little bit. The full sand wedge wasn’t quite getting there, so I said to Harry, it’s going to be a gap wedge.” Three-quarters is perfect.”
he added:
“I feel like I didn’t time the shot perfectly. I hit it when the wind was at its strongest and the wind hit the ball a lot, and obviously it came short. If I got it back I think I had the right club and the right shot. I probably should have waited an extra 15 or 20 seconds.” Let this little storm calm down.”
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