Does the rhythm of one player affect the destiny of another? At Augusta National, the first round of the 2025 Masters saw a significant change in Rory McIlroy’s pursuit of a career Grand Slam. The Northern Irishman has not yet won one major victory, and that is the Masters.
Despite having a strong start at 4-under after 14 holes, McIlroy’s momentum stalled after he made double bogeys on the 15th and 17th holes, finishing at 72. Some experts ascribed this blunder to a lack of focus, which may have been exacerbated by slow shots from his playing partner, Akshay Bhatia. While detractors pointed fingers, Bhatia opted for praise rather than criticism, providing insight into McIlroy’s genius during Augusta’s most trying times. So, let’s see what Bhatia had to say!
Akshay Bhatia applauds McIlroy’s talent during Augusta’s chaos
In an open interview, Bhatia, who finished Thursday’s first round, was questioned about his experience seeing Rory’s play, particularly in light of the fervor among fans following the Northern Irishman’s late-round error. “Yeah, I mean, he started out pretty solid to start the day, and then making birdie on 10 and 11 is a joke here,” Bhatia stated without hesitation. That comment, which was meant to be a compliment, captured the difficulty of those holes and McIlroy’s capacity to manage them under duress.
February 15, 2025, La Jolla, California, USA: RORY MCILROY looks on while walking to the first tee during the third round of the 2025 Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California. La Jolla USA – ZUMAt158 20250215_zsp_t158_067 Copyright: xBrentonxTsex
“He hit it to a foot on 10 and then he hit it to four feet on 11,” he added. He clearly wasn’t attempting to hit it there at number 13, and it covered before he made the putt. Due to its risk-reward structure, that particular hole—No. 13, a crucial par-5—has plagued many golfers. McIlroy’s aggressive strategy, which would have resulted in disaster, was saved by a clutch putt and a remarkable shot. And it wasn’t just that.“Then 15, that ball stays right on the green and it’s a great two-putt there. Nice up-and-down on 16. Really good shot on 17,” Bhatia explained. The 15–17 stretch is one of the hardest on the tour, and McIlroy’s composure under duress was very impressive.
It is important to remember that Bhatia wasn’t merely praising others. “He just kind of had it going. He didn’t make many mistakes. He drove it on a rope the first two days when I played with him… He’s the best driver in our game currently, so yeah, it’s awesome to see,” he said. That endorsement is significant. McIlroy’s driving has always been regarded as his superpower; according to Data Golf Stats, his off-the-tee strokes were among the highest on the Tour going into Augusta. Even at difficult times, Rory’s presence is evident in the fact that a player like Bhatia witnessed it personally and was still overcome with emotion. Perhaps displaying more maturity than many anticipated from a 22-year-old still establishing himself on the Tour, Bhatia calmly defused the situation with tact and wisdom rather than embracing controversy. As Bhatia acknowledged Rory’s tenacity, another veteran took advantage of the situation, and Justin Rose rose to the top of the leaderboard.
As McIlroy looks for redemption, Justin Rose takes the lead
As McIlroy struggled in his first round, Justin Rose, an Englishman, jumped ahead and led the field with a remarkable 7-under 65. Rose’s performance established him as a serious candidate for the green jacket and set a high standard for the competition.
McIlroy showed tenacity in the second round, determined to bounce back. With a bogey-free 66, he returned to contention and proved that he could overcome hardship. McIlroy’s perseverance and persistent quest for the coveted Masters championship were demonstrated by this performance.
Rose’s quest for another significant victory and McIlroy’s quest for a career Grand Slam continue to be the main focus of the tournament. Around the world, golf fans are still enthralled with the drama that is developing at Augusta National.
The post Blamed for Rory McIlroy’s Poor Start, PGA Tour Pro Takes the High Road With Classy Statement at Augusta appeared first on EssentiallySports.