Rory McIlroy’s driving at the Masters left his playing partner absolutely stunned.
"I’ve never seen someone hit a driver that good," said Akshay Bhatia, who had a front-row seat watching McIlroy during the first two rounds at Augusta National.
The 22-year-old Bhatia couldn’t believe what he was seeing as McIlroy put on a masterclass that would eventually lead to his first Green Jacket and a career Grand Slam.
"He hits it far, he hits it straight, his wedge play was great," Bhatia said on GOLF’s Subpar podcast. "He didn’t miss I don’t think inside 10 feet on Friday."
McIlroy’s opening rounds were a rollercoaster. He was cruising at four under before two late double bogeys in Thursday’s first round seemed to derail his chances.
But the Northern Irishman bounced back in style.
His bogey-free 66 on Friday showed exactly why he’s one of golf’s greatest talents.
What made it even more remarkable? Bhatia actually beat McIlroy in that first round, but he knew he’d witnessed something special.
"Man, that guy, he played so freaking good," Bhatia said. "And you almost feel like, how do I compete with that?"
The weekend would prove even more dramatic as McIlroy finally captured the one major that had eluded him for over a decade. His victory at Augusta completed golf’s career Grand Slam – winning all four major championships.
For Bhatia, watching McIlroy finally put on that Green Jacket meant more than just witnessing history.
"It was really cool for me to see, as he’s kind of been the guy of our generation, to finally cap it off," he said. "It really inspired me and a lot of people I think watching that final round."
