Water Hazards

Watch Rory McIlroy hit a tee shot into a swimming pool (Yes, a swimming pool) at the WGC-Match Play

March 24, 2021

Less than two weeks removed from the golf world being fixated on TPC Sawgrass' island-green 17th, apparently, there's a new water hazard to watch out for on the PGA Tour: The swimming pool off the fifth hole at Austin Country Club.

OK, so it's not actually part of the course at this week's WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, but someone's backyard became part of the story on Wednesday thanks to Rory McIlroy. The four-time major champ got off to a rough start in his opening match against Ian Poulter, bringing new meaning to the phrase "pool play."

Have a look at McIlroy hooking his drive off the tee and the tremendous camera work that captures the ball floating/sinking(?) into someone's pool:

Match play is known for its "VAGARIES," but that's a whole new level.

Of course, McIlroy was unable to play his ball as it lies, because not surprisingly, the pool is out of bounds. He re-teed and lost to Poulter's par to go 3 down after five holes. So at this rate, he might be looking for a hot tub soon instead.