Rory McIlroy has endured an up-and-down relationship with Augusta National ever since he made his debut back in 2009.
McIlroy’s infamous collapse at the 2011 Masters will haunt the Northern Irishman right up until he finally gets his hands on a green jacket and completes a career grand slam.
Even recently, Augusta National has caused McIlroy issues after the four-time major champ missed the cut in 2023 and 2021. However, McIlroy has encountered some positivity on Augusta’s hallowed fairways. His chip-in on the 18th hole in 2022, was one of his best Masters moments. What’s more, the 35-year-old finished inside the top-ten every year between 2014 and 2018.
Rory McIlroy’s near disqualification at The Masters
Many assume McIlroy’s 2011 capitulation was his first piece of bad luck at Augusta; however, the Northern Irishman actually ran into trouble two years earlier.
During his first-ever Masters appearance in 2009, the 19-year-old kicked sand in the greenside bunker on the 18th at the end of his second round. McIlroy had failed to get out of the trap at the first attempt.
Upon finishing his round at 4:15 pm, McIlroy was summoned back to the clubhouse four-and-a-half hours later at the request of rules officials.
Augusta National competitions committee chairman Fred Ridley said: “A question was raised regarding Rory McIlroy’s actions. The Rules of Golf (13-4) prohibit a player from testing the condition of a hazard before playing a stroke in the hazard.”
If McIlroy had been deemed in breach of the rules, he would have been disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard, having not given himself a one-shot penalty.
However, after it was deemed McIlroy had not improved the lie or position of his fourth shot, the teenager was cleared after lengthy discussions.
Where did Rory McIlroy finish at 2009 Masters?
On debut, McIlroy would eventually end the week in a tie for 20th. McIlroy started the 2009 Masters with a level-par 72 before eventually shooting 73 on day two.
The teenager had made a charge during the second round after moving up to sixth place with just three holes to play. But, a four-putt double bogey on 16 followed by a triple-bogey seven on the 18th saw McIlroy make the cut on the number.
McIlroy would then enjoy two sub-par rounds over the weekend to finish two under for the tournament and in a ten-way tie for 20th.
Angel Cabrera won the 2009 edition after a three-way playoff involving Chad Campbell and Kenny Perry. Phil Mickelson finished fifth, and Tiger Woods tied for sixth.
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