Rory McIlroy laughs off bizarre shot that digs up second golf ball

Golfers are sometimes described as magicians, but Rory McIlroy even surprised himself when he appeared to turn one golf ball into two during the third round of the Open Championship on Saturday.

McIlroy worked his way into contention at Royal Portrush in his native Northern Ireland by making three birdies over his first four holes in the third round. However, he settled for all pars until he got to the par-4 11th hole and missed the fairway to the right.

After an extensive time studying his shot from the trampled-down rough and changing his choice of club, McIlroy took his swing and a second golf ball popped up from out of view.

While McIlroy's own ball came up short of the green and settled in the fairway, the new ball dropped in between his feet and caught him -- and the broadcasters -- by surprise.

Watch it. Watch it again. pic.twitter.com/I48KVCk80b

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 19, 2025

McIlroy laughed it off and tossed the mystery ball into a nearby bush. NBC Sports commentator and former caddie John Wood later said that a stunned McIlroy asked him if he'd ever seen anything like it.

The Grand Slam winner went on to hit a poor third shot onto the green and two-putted for the first bogey of his round. He slipped to 5 under par for the week shortly before Scottie Scheffler made an eagle to take the lead to 12 under.

--Field Level Media