Rory McIlroy staged a remarkable escape at the Australian Open on Friday, turning what seemed destined to be a disastrous round into a showcase of skill and resilience. Playing at Royal Melbourne, McIlroy found himself in trouble on the 14th hole, but a series of birdies rescued his round, much to the delight of spectators.
The drama unfolded when McIlroy, after a swing and a miss in the tea tree on the 14th, dropped a shot and found himself outside the cut line. However, he rebounded with birdies on holes 15, 17, and 18, the penultimate birdie coming after a shot that will be remembered as one of the best in Australian Open history. McIlroy’s high-fading iron shot around the trees on the par-5 17th set him up for a birdie, stunning the crowd and setting the stage for a strong finish.
McIlroy’s Masterclass and Lee’s Surge
McIlroy’s recovery saw him sign off with a three-under-par second round of 68, bringing him to -2 for the tournament, just above the projected cut line. Meanwhile, his playing partner, Min Woo Lee, delivered a spectacular performance, finishing with a six-under-par round of 65. Lee’s round was highlighted by a hole-out eagle on the par-4 10th, which sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Lee’s consistent play, which included four birdies and no dropped shots, placed him just one shot behind leaders Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen and Daniel Rodrigues. The leaderboard remained tight, with Adam Scott trailing at -7 after an impressive five-under-par 66.
Australian Contenders Shine
The Australian contingent had much to celebrate, with Cameron Smith going bogey-free to card a round better than Scott’s. Smith, the 2022 Open champion, had struggled in recent tournaments but will compete over the weekend for the first time this year in a 72-hole event.
Portugal’s Daniel Rodrigues posted the day’s lowest score with a seven-under-par 64, while Neergaard-Petersen capitalized on calm morning conditions to shoot a five-under-par 66. The Dane, who missed the cut at last week’s Australian PGA Championship, expressed confidence in his ability to compete for a fourth professional title.
“Certainly I feel like I’ve proved over the last year or so that I have the level to compete out here and be in the thick of things on Sunday,” Neergaard-Petersen said.
Challenges and Setbacks
Not all competitors found success, however. Joaquin Niemann, a prominent figure in LIV Golf, shot a disappointing five-over-par 76, missing the cut with a +7 overall score. His struggles included an unusual moment on the par-3 seventh, where he resorted to putting with a wedge. Similarly, Karl Vilips ended his round at +5, marking a challenging homecoming for the young Australian.
Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz briefly shared the lead but faltered with late bogeys, finishing two shots back from the leaders. New Zealand’s Ryan Fox and Korea’s Si Woo Kim were also in contention, both sitting at -6. Fox expressed frustration after an even-par round, feeling he missed an opportunity to capitalize on his strong start.
“I mean after yesterday it was always going to be hard to back up a round like that,” Fox commented. “Obviously a lot easier today. I just felt like one of those days where I was always in between clubs and that’s not great out here.”
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, the competition remains fierce, with several players poised to make a significant impact over the weekend. The Australian Open continues to deliver thrilling golf, with fans eagerly anticipating the next rounds. The performances of McIlroy, Lee, and others have set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the event.
The Australian Open’s second round tee times and player pairings are set, with notable names like Adam Scott, Min Woo Lee, and Rory McIlroy among those to watch. As the tournament unfolds, the focus will be on who can maintain their form and who can rise to the occasion under pressure.
