Rory McIlroy sank a remarkable 22-foot birdie putt on the fifth hole, pushing him and Tommy Fleetwood two up against Harris English and Collin Morikawa. This decisive stroke set the tone for a competitive Saturday morning foursomes.
‘My goodness!’ – McIlroy and Fleetwood on a charge

Key Takeaways:
- McIlroy’s 22-foot birdie putt highlighted his skill.
- The European duo went two up against their opponents.
- Saturday morning foursomes formed the stage for the excitement.
- Tommy Fleetwood played a pivotal role alongside McIlroy.
- Harris English and Collin Morikawa faced early pressure.
The Big Birdie Moment
Rory McIlroy sank an impressive 22-foot putt for birdie on the fifth hole, eliciting reactions of pure excitement on the course. The phrase “My goodness!” captured the sense of awe as the ball dropped into the cup, signifying a significant shift in momentum for McIlroy and his playing partner, Tommy Fleetwood.
Building the Lead
That crucial birdie stretched their advantage to two up against Harris English and Collin Morikawa. In match play golf, being two up provides a margin of comfort. It also boosts morale early in the round, setting a tone that can be tough for opponents to overcome.
Saturday Morning Foursomes
The action took place during the Saturday morning foursomes, a format where teamwork is vital. One player tees off on odd-numbered holes while the other tees off on even-numbered holes, and they alternate shots until the hole is completed. McIlroy’s clutch putts and shot-making combined with Fleetwood’s consistency underscored how teamwork can decisively shape the outcome.
Partnership and Competition
McIlroy and Fleetwood showcased strong synergy against Harris English and Collin Morikawa in this head-to-head battle. While McIlroy’s 22-foot birdie was the standout moment, Fleetwood’s contributions on other holes helped sustain their lead. Conversely, English and Morikawa faced early setbacks that put additional weight on each subsequent shot.
This remarkable moment on the green reflects a dynamic performance in a closely watched match, providing fans an early dose of suspense and tension on a competitive Saturday morning.