Rory McIlroy's Water Ball Luck at the Masters Changes Course as Fans Lose I
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Julio Cesar Valdera Morales is a Newsweek contributor based in Spain. His focus is golf as well as politics and economics. Julio has been with Newsweek since February, 2025 and previously practiced law. Julio earned his Masters Degree at the University of Havana. You can get in touch with Julio by emailing j.morales@newsweek.com.
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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Rory McIlroy is closing in on his first Masters Tournament title. On the 12th hole of the fourth round, he was leading the event at 11 under, one stroke ahead of Justin Rose.
Even luck has been on his side, as it was on the 11th hole when his second shot veered dangerously left and looked like it would land in the pond on that side of the green. But the ball eventually stopped on the very edge without falling into the water.
McIlroy's good fortune did not go unnoticed by the golf media, which reacted via social networks:
"The good Lord is playing favorites with @McIlroyRory in Amen Corner," golf influencer Roger Steele posted on X.
"Folks, it's (finally) his time," Golf Digest's Alex Myers said.
"The golf gods are playing defense for Rory," Golf.com's Claire Rogers wrote.
"It's his year. Finally," was the reaction of the Monday Q Info X account.
"I almost vomited right there. Geez-o, what a break," Bunkered's Michael McEwan posted.
There were those who recalled that Fred Couples had almost exactly the same break when he won his green jacket in 1992:
The Northern Irishman carded four birdies, one bogey and two double bogeys. He reached the 13th hole with a three-shot lead, but his double bogey allowed Justin Rose to birdie the 16th and tie for the lead.
If McIlroy wins the event, he will become the sixth player to win the Grand Slam of golf in the modern era.
More Golf: Tiger Woods' Iconic Masters Chip Relived by PGA Tour Pros on Anniversary