Rory McIlroy receives embedded ball relief on No. 14
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 18: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland gets relief from an imbedded ball on the 14th green during the final round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy drew a fortunate break from a misjudged wedge on the par-5 14th hole Sunday at the U.S. Open, trying to chase down Wyndham Clark at The Los Angeles Country Club.
He just couldn’t take advantage.
McIlroy’s third shot at the 612-yard par 5 disappeared from view upon landing, on a line near the edge of a fescue-guarded greenside bunker. Upon further inspection, the ball plugged into the grass just above the bunker’s edge.
McIlroy called for a ruling and was awarded a free drop, as the ball was identified and deemed embedded, having broken the ground’s surface. He was allowed to drop within one club length, per Rule 16.3, allowing relief for a ball embedded anywhere in the general area (previously known as “through the green.”)
The four-time major champion dropped in the second cut of rough, seemingly a fortunate break, but he was unable to get the ball up-and-down. He pitched to 9 feet and missed the par putt, falling back to 9 under for the tournament.
Clark -- playing in the final pairing, one group behind McIlroy -- stood 11 under as he played the 14th hole. He proceeded to reach the green in two shots and two-putt for birdie to extend his lead to three strokes.