Rory McIlroy stuns Masters crowd after shot from trees ‘falls from golfing heaven’ | Golf | Sport

Rory McIlroy hit an unbelievable approach shot on the seventh hole of his final round to send the Masters crowd into raptures. There was an explosion of noise from the patrons around the green as McIlroy – hunting down his first green jacket – landed his audacious effort within a few feet of the hole.

The 35-year-old left himself out of position with an errant tee shot, and his approach was severely obstructed by six tall magnolia trees. He discussed options with caddie Harry Diamond and opted to take the high route, swinging a wedge with all of his strength and whipping back the follow through.

McIlroy’s instant reaction was positive, but there was a moment of silence around the green as the ball descended from the stratosphere. Even the Sky Sports cameras took a split second to capture the ball as it landed bang on target and rolled to within a foot of the seventh hole before trickling six feet past.

It was aptly described by commentator and three-time Masters winner Nick Faldo as a shot which ‘fell from golfing heaven’. Despite the fact it will inevitably be replayed for years to come, McIlroy walked up to the green and missed the birdie putt.

Calling the events as they unfolded, women’s golf legend Trish Johnson told BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: “If Rory McIlroy goes on to win this tournament and you ask him the pivotal moment, without a shadow of a doubt, it will be this shot. This is extraordinary. His reaction is box office.”

It was a nervy start to the round for McIlroy, whose two-shot overnight lead was wiped out with a double bogey on the very first hole. He then found the fairway bunker off the second tee and made par on the par-five, allowing DeChambeau to take the lead with a birdie.

McIlroy must have been having flashbacks to last year’s US Open, when he blew his advantage in the final round and was surpassed by DeChambeau at the death. But the tide turned back towards the Northern Irishman on a gripping final day at the Masters.

He hit the turn at one under for his round and with a four-shot lead over the chasing pack. McIlroy is aiming to become only the sixth golfer to achieve the career Grand Slam, and end an 11-year major drought in the process.