Watch Rory McIlroy have an air shot during the Australian Open

December 5, 2025

Rory McIlroy was finally relatable to all amateur golfers when he bizarrely had an airshot at the Australian Open.

The Northern Irishman joined the echelon of golfing greats this year when he became just the sixth player to win a career Grand Slam.

However, the five-time major winner proved that even the best golfers in the world can face everyday problems on the course.

The moment came on the 14th, when he was facing the prospect of missing out on the cut.

McIlroy, who is the favourite to win Sports Personality of the Year, fired his tee shot wayward, with the ball coming to rest underneath a bush.

Crouching low, McIlroy attempted to fizz the ball back into play, but his club caught an overhanging branch on his down swing.

It resulted in the 36-year-old completely missing the ball, and his reaction, where he remained crouched over the ball, said it all.

Rory McIlroy reacts to missing the ball at the Australian Open

McIlroy ended the hole with a double bogey to throw his tournament into jeopardy but responded in a champion’s fashion to narrowly make the cut.

Grinning while speaking about the incident, he said: “I felt like I could get in there and get really low and flick a little four iron to get it back into play.

“On the way down, I caught a branch and obviously completely went over the ball. I honestly can’t remember the last time I had a fresh air!

“Not one of my finer moments, but it was nice to bounce back after that and play like I did on the last few holes.”

McIlroy certainly bounced back in fine fashion.

He birdied three of the final four holes to shoot a three-under 68, which left him two-under overall.

McIlroy sits seven shots back on joint leaders Rasmus Neergaard-Peterson and Portugal’s Daniel Rodrigues.

Rory McIlroy swings and misses 😲

pic.twitter.com/gETJfZkS2q

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) December 5, 2025

McIlroy remains positive heading into the weekend

McIlroy admitted he’s been far from his best over the previous two days but believes he can build on the momentum on his final four holes to mount a run up the leaderboard.

“With the wind, it played like a different golf course today,” McIlroy said.

“I certainly haven’t played my best over the past couple of days, but it was nice to finish the way I did. Delighted to be here for the weekend… seven isn’t too far back.

“I feel like if I can go out tomorrow morning and shoot a good one, I can get myself right back in the tournament.”