Rory McIlroy sends drive into a swimming pool as he's thrashed by Ian Poulter
Rory McIlroy was thumped 6&5 by Ian Poulter in his opening match at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.
Rory McIlroy was thumped by Ian Poulter in his opening match at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play and he even sent one of his drives into someone's swimming pool.
It was one of the most highly anticipated match-ups that golf fans were looking forward to for the group stage of this week's action at Austin Country Club, with the two Ryder Cup teammates and good friends going up against each other in Group 11.
Unfortunately, the match didn't cause the fireworks we were hoping for, with Poulter taking advantage of an extremely poor McIlroy and thrashing him 6&5.
It took Poulter just 13 holes to beat the four-time major champion, who was all over the place from start to finish and at the 5th hole, the Northern Irishman's pulled drive bounced off a cart path and landed in a swimming pool.
WATCH MCILROY DRIVE INTO THE SWIMMING POOL BELOW:
4th Hole: 3-putt from 18 feet.
5th Hole: Tee shot finds swimming pool.@IanJamesPoulter is taking advantage of Rory McIlroy's slow start and is 3UP thru 5. pic.twitter.com/rhnvApdGOo— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 24, 2021
McIlroy won just two of the 13 holes played against the Ryder Cup veteran, who is known for his brilliance when it comes to match play scenarios.
A birdie at the par-4 8th hole looked like it had pulled McIlroy back in the right direction to bring Poulter's lead down to just one, but the Englishman made a birdie of his own at the next to once again extend his lead and go 2-up.
Poulter's gain at the 9th hole marked the first of five holes won in a row, with McIlroy's round being summed up at the 13th where he sent a short chip to the green into the water, allowing Poulter to roll his putt in for par for a 6&5 victory.
Down goes Rory. @IanJamesPoulter defeats McIlroy 6&5 in Round 1 @DellMatchPlay. pic.twitter.com/H7R9wdnSET
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 24, 2021
