WATCH: Unusual scenes as Rory McIlroy uses his putter backwards at the BMW PGA Championship

Modified Sep 19, 2024 11:35 GMT

Rory McIlroy uses his putter backwards at the BMW PGA Championship (Image via Getty and @DPWorldTour/X)

Unusual scenes were witnessed by spectators at the BMW PGA Championship as Rory McIlroy unconventionally used his putter. The first round of the tournament is currently underway at Wentworth Golf Club in Virginia Water, Surrey.

On the par-4 eighth hole in the first round, Rory Mcllroy found himself in a tricky position. His approach shot landed at the edge of the green near a water hazard. The hole was 11 yards to the green and 6 feet 2 inches to the pin from the ball's position but dangerously close to the water, making a conventional shot challenging.

So, on the third shot on par-4 eighth, the World No. 3 used his putter backwards. He didn't come in a putting stance but flipped his putter and tapped the ball toward the hole. The 35-year-old then sank the putt for par.

The video of the moment can be watched below:

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At the time of writing, Mcllroy is through 12 holes. He is currently tied for first with a score of 5 under par with Danny Willett and Victor Perez. Willett is through 14 holes while Perez is through 13 holes. Justin Rose is tied for fourth with 4 under par while Robert MacIntyre is tied for eighth with 3 under par.

Rory McIlroy is paired with Justin Rose and Ryan Fox in the first round. Fox had a dismal start and is tied for 68th with 1 over par after 12 holes. The winner of the tournament will win a prize money of $1,530,000 from a purse of $9 million.

Rory McIlroy says that he didn't lose the 2024 Amgen Irish Open but Rasmus Hojgaard won it

Rory McIlroy comes to the tournament after finishing second at the 2024 Amgen Irish Open. The tournament was held last week from Thursday, September 12 to 15.

Rasmus Hojgaard won the tournament by one stroke over McIlroy. When asked about the loss, he said (via ASAP Sports):

"I think there may be a misconception that it hit me harder than it maybe did. You know, I didn't really feel like I necessarily lost the tournament. I felt like Rasmus went out and won it. Shot 31 on the back nine," Mcllroy said.

Mcllroy carded 68, 70, and 69 in the first three rounds while Hojgaard scored 71, 68, and 71 in those rounds. Mcllroy was three shots ahead of the Danish golfer going into the final round.

However, Hojgaard carded a spectacular 6-under 65 in the final round and clinched the victory. Talking about the missed opportunities on several holes, Mcllroy said:

"So yeah, I shouldn't have missed the green right on 15 and misjudged the first putt on 17. But I mean, looking back on Sunday and the support of the crowds and that scene on 18 and everything, it was amazing to be a part of," he said.

This is not the first time this year Rory McIlroy has lost the tournament in the final round. This happened in the US Open 2024 when Bryson DeChambeau won the tournament after McIlroy missed two easy putts in the last three holes.

Let's take a look at Rory McIlroy's performances in the 2024 season: