Rory McIlroy recreated his epic 7-iron shot at Augusta's 15th and says it was 'actually unbelievable'

ORLANDO – Rory McIlroy returned last week to the spot where he struck arguably his most important shot on the way to winning the 2025 Masters—and he somehow outdid himself.

The shot in question was the majestic 7-iron that he drew over and around the trees from the left side of the fairway at the par-5 15th hole. His ball checked up six feet from the hole, and he two-putted for birdie on the way to winning the green jacket and completing the career Grand Slam.

McIlroy, 36, played at Augusta National Golf Club last week with his father Gerry and club chairman Fred Ridley, and the Northern Irishman admitted that he couldn’t resist trying the shot again.

“I hit the shot on 15 again, just as like just to replicate it,” he volunteered Friday at Bay Hill Club after carding a four-under 68 in the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

So, how did it come out?

“I nearly pitched it in the hole,” he said with noted relish and a wide smile. “It was actually a better shot than I hit in the tournament. It was actually unbelievable. I wish I could have got it on camera.”

The shot, he said, landed about a foot in front of the hole before rolling to the back edge of the green. Again he used a 7-iron, though not the same exact 7-iron. The original club hangs in the Champions Locker Room. It was donated by his agent, Sean O’Flaherty, unbeknownst to the winner, before McIlroy left the club grounds.

He also visited the Champions Locker Room during his visit. He found that he shares a locker with Ben Hogan and Ray Floyd.

Someone suggested, mostly in jest, that perhaps Augusta National would consider putting a plaque at where he hit his shot on 15. Rory knew better than endorse that.

“They won’t. They won’t,” McIlroy said, knowing how some past champions have been honored over the years. “Maybe have to win a couple more of them to get something … bridges or water fountains.”