Rory McIlroy's 9-iron met an untimely demise on the 12th hole of the BMW PGA Championship, but the Northern Irishman still managed to birdie the hole.
Rory McIlroy's first round at the BMW PGA Championship was a tale of two halves. The first half was a solid 5-under 67, putting him just two strokes off the lead. The second half was a bit more eventful, as McIlroy lost the head of his 9-iron on a wild swing.
It happened on the par-5 12th hole. McIlroy had hit a great drive and was looking to get close on the scoring hole. He took his typical powerful swing, and the head of his 9-iron went flying along with his ball.
Rory McIlroy Loses Club Head on Wild Swing, Still Birdies Hole
Even more wild about the hit was McIlroy putting the ball inside seven feet, where he eventually converted a birdie.
"It was a bit of a weird feeling," McIlroy said, via ESPN. "Obviously, you're expecting the weight of the club to just pull through, and there was nothing there."
Rory McIlroy Loses Club Head on Wild Swing, Still Birdies Hole
McIlroy couldn't use a 9-iron for a few holes until it was repaired by the 16th hole, but he'll take the birdie any way it comes.
It was a bit of a setback, but McIlroy still finished his round with a 5-under 67, putting him in a tie for second place. He's just two strokes behind Matthew Baldwin, who holds the lead after the first round.
Rory McIlroy Loses Club Head on Wild Swing, Still Birdies Hole
McIlroy is using the disappointment of his close loss at the Irish Open to fuel his performance this week.
"The nice thing about disappointments is that if you have something in this next weeks. It's nice to keep busy and keep your mind focused on something else," McIlroy said.
McIlroy tees off Friday for his second round with Justin Rose and Ryan Fox at 12:25 p.m. local time. He'll be looking to make a move up the leaderboard and challenge for the title.
Here are some additional highlights from McIlroy's first round:
* He hit 10 of 14 fairways and 12 of 18 greens.
* He had 26 putts.
* He made four birdies and one bogey.
* He is currently ranked No. 3 in the world.
* He has won four major championships.
* He is one of the most popular golfers in the world.
