WATCH: Rory McIlroy makes impressive 53ft birdie at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
During the final round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Rory McIlroy made an impressive 53-foot birdie putt that left the commentators in awe. The birdie was so good that even McIlroy was impressed.
On Saturday, November 9, McIlroy entered the final round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship five strokes back. He was returning after a double bogey on the last hole of the third round. However, putting all that behind him, he began the day with four birdies in the first five holes and collected two more ahead of the par-4 14th.
On the 14th hole, Rory McIlroy made a massive drive that sent the ball 307 yards off the tee into the native area. From there, he played a 25-yard approach shot that left him over 53 feet away from the pin. The Northern Irishman then sent the ball into the cup on his first putt for a birdie, his seventh one of the day.
Here's the clip:
Did Rory McIlroy win the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship?
Rory McIlroy failed to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship despite coming close to the title once again. He shot an 8-under 64, his best round of the week to aggregate at 21-under.
Reflecting on his final-round performance, McIlroy was satisfied with his game but spoke about two bad holes on Friday and Saturday.
"I think the two finishes on Friday and Saturday, obviously left me with a bit of work to do, and if I do come up one short, I'll obviously rue those two finishes on those two days," he said.
The five-time Race to Dubai winner and this year's leader also spoke about the prospect of winning it for another year.
"I do feel in a good position," he added. "I saw Thriston (Lawrence) making a charge today, and I was keeping one eye on the leaderboard and looking at what he was doing. I saw he posted 20."
He added that he wanted a birdie on the final hole not just to go for the title but also to provide a cushion for himself going into the season finale next week.
"Every shot counts at this moment in time, and I was glad to make the four at the last and at least give myself half a chance at this tournament this week but also give myself a little bit more of a cushion going into Dubai next week as well," he added.
Rory McIlroy will now head to Dubai for the DP World Tour Championship, which will begin on Thursday, November 14, at Jumeirah Golf Estates - Fire Course.