AP Photo / Matt Slocum
Rory McIlroy had himself one day. A record-breaking day.
The veteran golfer came to Sunday with an over, but played as a man on a mission in the final round of the Masters in Augusta, Georgia, where he shot an eight-under 64 and matched the lowest final round score in Masters history.
GOLF on CBS ⛳ @GOLFonCBS
WHAT AN END FOR RORY. pic.twitter.com/eJWoa39iik
PGA TOUR communication @PGATOURComms
Rory McIlroy gives the lowest score in the final round of Masters Tournament history with 64.
This is the second-lowest 18-hole score in a major in McIlroy’s career and lowest since 63 in the first round of the 2010 Open Championship.#theMasters
Justin Ray @JustinRayGolf
Rory McIlroy’s 64 is the only bogey-free round of any this week #TheMasters
“It’s what you dream of. You dream of getting yourself in position [to win]”McIlroy said in his post-CBS interview.” … to end like this, it’s just incredible. “
GOLF on CBS ⛳ @GOLFonCBS
“It’s as happy as I’ve ever been to a golf course.”
Rory McIlroy joins @Amanda_Balionis after an unforgettable finish to his lowest round ever at the Masters. pic.twitter.com/RFRMmwe5cS
He walked into the clubhouse in second place, which put some pressure on Scottie Scheffler, though if one prevents a meltdown from the current manager, McIlroy is unlikely to win the event.
Still, McIlroy flirted with all sorts of history on Sunday. When he went seven under for the day after 13 holes, a few records were within reach, per PGATour.com:
- The lowest 18-hole score in Masters history (63).
- The lowest 18-hole score in a major championship (62).
Oh, and the chance to erase the biggest deficit in the final round of PGA Tour history:
PGA TOUR communication @PGATOURComms
Rory McIlroy started the final round of the Masters Tournament 10 strokes behind and is currently trailing by five.
The biggest comeback in the final round of PGA TOUR history is 10 strokes (Paul Lawrie, 1999 Open Championship). #theMasters
McIlroy could not quite write history. But he made some money, considering where he stood and walked into the clubhouse.
He was a birdie machine on Sunday, performing the farm at Nos. 1, 3, 7, 8, 10 and 18. He did not bogey a single time.
The masters @TheMasters
One drive and two putts. Rory McIlroy birdies No. 3. #themasters pic.twitter.com/qeeV1EkQnt
The masters @TheMasters
A brilliant throw of No. 7 moves McIlroy to two wonders for the tournament. #themasters pic.twitter.com/BowR8LjYJT
The masters @TheMasters
Rory McIlroy makes his move. He is four under par today and in third place. #themasters pic.twitter.com/DWXrJxsA5A
The masters @TheMasters
Rory’s run up the rankings continues with a birdie at No. 10. #themasters < a href="https://t.co/ZsUNfnyyJ8">pic.twitter.com/ZsUNfnyyJ8
He also chopped an eagle at No. 13, suddenly narrowing what felt like an impossible gap between him and Scheffler.
ESPN @espn
An EAGLE for Rory McIlroy at No. 13 🦅
What a race! #themasters pic.twitter.com/C5CKQdNi1t
McIlroy will probably regret some of his fights in the previous rounds, which may be the difference between him and his first green jacket ever. But he gave Augusta a Sunday for eternity, no matter where he ends.
Although McIlroy is not finally completing the Grand Slam of his career, it’s hard to imagine that he will look back on this round with anything but love.