Rory McIlroy plays his shot from the 16th tee during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Watch: Rory McIlroy hits incredible Phil Mickelson-like shot at Masters

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 3:14 PM ET

If Rory McIlroy finally breaks through to win his first Masters in 2025, there is one shot from the tournament that fans will be seeing over and over for decades to come.

McIlroy made an incredible shot from the pine straw during his second round on Friday at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. He pushed his drive slightly right on the par-5 13th, leaving him 216 yards to the green.

Rather than laying up and plasying it safe, McIlroy hit a perfect iron out of the pine straw. The ball went over Rae’s Creek, bounced on the green, and settled 9 feet from the hole.

It was a vintage Masters shot that carried a ton of risk.

Rory McIlroy's shot at No. 13 from the pine straw was a thing of beauty. pic.twitter.com/q2CWoABU06
— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) April 11, 2025

McIlroy rolled the putt in for an eagle.

While it was not quite as challenging, McIlroy’s shot immediately reminded fans of the one Phil Mickelson hit during the final round of the Masters in 2010. Mickelson led the tournament then and had to hit his ball between two trees.

Probably Phil Mickelson’s greatest shot ever. 2010 Masters #MastersRewatchMoment pic.twitter.com/AR6lM5Cros
— Kirk Haston (@KirkHaston35IU) March 26, 2020

Like McIlroy, Mickelson made the putt for an eagle. Phil, of course, went on to win.

Again, McIlroy’s shot was not nearly as difficult as Mickelson’s. But risks like that can make or break the pursuit of a green jacket. McIlroy was rewarded for taking a chance, and his shot will not be forgotten if he wins at Augusta.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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