These Guys Are Good
British Open 2022: Rory McIlroy putts from the road on 17, takes money off TV commentator
There's a record $2.5 million going to the winner at the 2022 Open Championship, but Rory McIlroy already finds himself up a few bucks on the eve of the tournament at St. Andrews.
Playing his final practice round, McIlroy was encouraged to putt a ball from the road behind the green on the famed—and aptly named—Road Hole. And although he expressed concerns about damaging his putter, the four-time major champ obliged and knocked one onto the putting surface, much to the delight of the fans.
After saying he'd be happy with his effort to about 15 feet, TV commentator George Harper Jr. jumped in by betting 10 quid McIlroy wouldn't make the putt. But Rory, barely taking any time, stepped up and drained it for an all-world up and down to win the wager. Have a look:
Hopefully, George had some cash on him. Fast pay makes fast friends.
Speaking of bets, according to BetMGM, McIlroy, a 9-to-1 favorite to win this week, has been the most popular player by both tickets (7.7 percent) and handle (13.1 percent). And this practice round highlight certainly won't hurt those numbers—especially since it didn't appear that he hurt his putter.