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No One Could Find Rory McIlroy’s Tee Shot Because It Was Stuck In A Tree

Rory McIlroy started off the third round of the PGA Championship well today, knocking in two birdies on the first two holes. But on No. 3, McIlroy’s tee shot went astray, missing the fairway left. Except the ball never landed, and everyone crowded around a leafless tree trying to find the damn thing.

The announcers posit the ball is buried in the mulch, but no. It’s right there in that tree, friends. On the replay, they correctly notice the ball hit the tree, but then assume that it must have ricocheted off somewhere. Wrong again! Finally they see it’s in the tree, and playfully scream at the searching grounds crew, “Hello, it’s behind you!” But as they get closer, the drama is overwhelming, especially with the announcers willing on the ball-seekers. “It’s right there. Look up. LOOK UP!”

As the zoomed-in camera demonstrates, the physics behind this whole mess are remarkable. How does a ball traveling at such speed land on a jagged tree with no leaves, and remain hidden from everyone for a solid two minutes? Fantastic.

McIlroy eventually received a drop and saved par. He is currently tied for the lead with Vijay Singh at six under par.

Video via CJ Fogler

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